WITH some 200 Pakistani tribal families returning from Afghanistan and set to be repatriated to North Waziristan, questions are being asked about whether the authorities will ensure aid and compensation for them to rebuild their homes and lives. When they began returning during a phased repatriation and resettlement process last year, lack of economic opportunities and damaged infrastructure had resulted in scepticism among many of them. Added to this has been fear of the army’s presence in the tribal region. These concerns are understandable and must be addressed if peaceful resettlement is the goal. Although the military has formed a reconstruction strategy along with NDMA, rebuilding swathes of Mirali and Miramshah — including main arteries and markets — many returnees say they are unable to earn a livelihood or access medical care. They point out that schools and hospitals are not even functional. In order to have a cut-off date for returning families, ground conditions must be conducive to resettlement. For their part, the authorities have a colossal task ahead requiring political will and resources.

Around 2,000 more families are expected; the returnees would be registered and shifted temporarily to camps in Bannu before being repatriated. Documentation is significant to ensure there are no militants among their ranks, while rebuilding infrastructure and providing basic amenities are also prerequisites for security. This responsibility must not be overlooked by the military and civilian agencies. For peace and economic activity to take root in a border region susceptible to militant activity, people’s lives must improve. The army has the lead role in reconstruction; it has even showcased its progress to US military personnel and congressmen as evidence of zero militant activity. The effort must be expedited so that returning families are provided the necessary housing and means to resettle. Creating opportunity out of adversity is indeed challenging, but building trust will assure the tribal people that their future is secure as equal stakeholders of this nation.

Published in Dawn January 18th, 2017