West needs to do more for Pak's displaced persons: Gilani

Lahore, May 25 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the international community and especially the United States and the West to 'do more' for his country's Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He also appealed to all people in Pakistan and the rest of the world to generously assist the IDPs, adding that the whole world would benefit once the Swat operation is over.

According to The Nation, he told a news agency that the international community had in the past alleged that certain institutions were not cooperating with the government, but the fact was that the entire nation and all institutions were united in the operation against the extremists and terrorists.

"We are proud of our armed forces and jawans, who have laid down their lives during Swat operation to purge the valley of terrorists and extremists," Gilani said.

The government was ensuring the registration of IDPs so that they could be conveniently rehabilitated in their original places, he added.

He said only 20 per cent of the IDPs are being housed in camps, while the 80 per cent are living with the relatives at safer places.

He said the IDPs were in need of desert and water coolers, fans, cotton clothes, slippers, mosquito repellent oil, net and coil, drinking water, milk, biscuits and other items, which could provide instant relief.

The Prime Minister also said that he had ordered for providing salaries to government employees, who have been internally displaced. Steps would also be taken to enable the IDPs who own bank accounts in their respective areas, have access to the facility at their temporary residences. (ANI)