ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has directed Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to firm up plans in consultation with relevant stakeholders for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and flood victims.
The minister was briefed by the Secretary EAD and other officials on activities with regard to the donors conference held on November 11. The secretary apprised the Dar that during the 2nd donors conference it was agreed that for rehabilitation/assistance of IDPs, the existing MDTF (multi-donors trust fund) mechanism would be utilised and secondly, the ADB would come up with the plan not only to address the current issues faced by flood affectees but also cater for the future requirements, specially flood prevention measures.
The Minister was further told that during this meeting, the donors were apprised about the estimated amount required for the IDPs.
The donors while reaffirming their support said they would evaluate the estimates and return to the forum in due course. The next meeting in this regard is scheduled after the short winter break, Secretary EAD told Dar. The Finance Minister said that the estimates needed to be reviewed before being shared with the donors in the next meeting and the future course of action for rehabilitation of the IDPs be decided keeping in view the revised estimates which were around $1 billion.
Regarding matters pertaining to flood affectees, the Minister was informed that ADB at the donors conference last month had volunteered to suggest mechanism for the rehabilitation of affectees and also emphasised developing future course of action, specially focusing on flood prevention measures.
He said the ADB and World Bank’s combined team had visited flood affected areas in AJK and Punjab and conveyed estimates on rehab work to the Government of Punjab which had forwarded the same to EAD.
