The Pakistan government has declared all out war against the Taliban and has allocated Rs1.0 billion for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDP). Government is also promising jobs for one member of every family who had lost a breadwinner in the operation in Swat and surrounding areas.

According to UN report, about one million Pakistanis have been displaced so far due to operation in Swat and adjoining areas. IDPs are moving to safer areas in Pakistan like Islamabad-Rawalpindi. There are about 50,000 IDPs in these two cities. However, it is very important to sieve out Taliban and their supporters from genuine IDPs to prevent the latter from capitalizing on the grievances and dicontent of genuine IDPs and winning influence over them. It will also ensure that only non-Taliban elements will benefit from Pakistan government’s rehabilitation programme.

If Government of Pakistan doesnot show something concrete in terms of development and rehabilitation, IDPs who are facing meager rations, lack of water or firewood for cooking, overflowing latrines and sizzling summer temperatures under their tents will hold this against the government. Appearently, government of Pakistan has started the operation against the Taliban withou any thoughtfull planning about the rehabilitation of IDPs and situation arising due to mass migration of people to other safer areas. For example, camps are sprouting up here and there in capital citiy Islamabad as well as in Rawalpindi without any planning are assistance from governement. It the operation against Taliban lingers on for long time, this situation will only create frustration and anger among the IDPs and Taliban will certainly benefit from it.

By isolating Taliban, rebuilding the destructed areas, providing people sense of security and stability, and strengthening civil institutions such as judiciary and education will help to keep the Taliban away from these areas. So win the heats and mind of people and Taliban will have no safe heaven to establish their hold.

However, the question here is ‘does government of Pakistan have the determination, political support and resources to do that?’.