Terrorists are still active in various parts of Pakistan. Their latest acts of terrorism in Peshawar has badly affected the relief operation for IDPs of tribal areas and some other parts of Pakistan. It is still unclear as what the Pakistan Army has been doing. They have bulldozed half of the Bajaur Agency, but terrorists are still roaming freely on the roads and streets. Now there must a check on the terrorists activities.
Accordint to an editorial comment of The News International, the killing of a UNHCR humanitarian worker and the injuring of two others at the Katchi Garhi camp for Internally Displaced Persons near Peshawar is shocking and deserves the immediate attention of the authorities. It is deeply condemnable that those working for the benefit of thousands of people in distress are targeted in this manner, and proves beyond doubt that those who are responsible for the act are hostile towards not only the state forces but also against downtrodden Pakistani citizens, who are already suffering after being uprooted from their homes. It is a blatant attempt to terrorize the noble missions and stop them from continuing their good work.
This act should alert the authorities who need to upgrade security in and around these camps to stop such attacks from recurring. This is not only for the security of the workers, but for the security of the IDPs themselves. It is surprising how such elements were able to enter the camp in the first place, and this security breach, which clearly belies the claims of authorities, deserves a thorough inquiry. The IDPs, who must already be apprehensive of moving back to their homes situated in the troubled areas for fear of repercussions, will now only be even more frightened having seen that militant elements are still operating that too right under the noses of the authorities. This will serve as a huge setback for the government, which has started the effort to shift people back to their homes.
Furthermore, the complaint of the family of the fallen humanitarian worker that he wasn't provided adequate security need to be looked into an addressed immediately by the government. Instances such as these only serve as a de-motivating factor for those working valiantly to serve IDPs in the face of all sorts of threats, and not only jeopardizes the continuation of such efforts but also discourages others coming forward to help. It is therefore extremely commendable of the UNHCR to announce immediately that they will continue working in the camp despite the attack. Such courage only serves to lift spirits at a critical juncture. Meanwhile, the government should also bestow some sort of state honour on the fallen worker, Maj (r) Zill-e-Usman, as well as those injured and compensate their families for their valorous effort to lend a helping hand to those Pakistanis who need it most dearly. Sacrifices such as these need to be appreciated.
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