PESHAWAR: Inadequate development funds for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas will hinder rehabilitation of conflict-hit areas in the tribal region, causing more disenchantment among affected people, the Fata Civil Secretariat notes in its recently-released report.
The 46-page report 'Cost of Conflict in Fata', released on Wednesday, makes an elaborate case to solicit $2.46 billion from the federal government and donor agencies. The financial assistance sought will be spent to execute the Fata Sustainable Development Plan.
The plan involves payment of compensation money to families of victims and the injured. It also envisages carrying out infrastructure schemes and mitigating negative impact caused to forests and environment in the conflict-hit areas of Fata.
The actual cost of implementing the development plan, according to the report, would be higher than the existing estimates since the plan was chalked out when insurgency in Fata was of low intensity.
The report serves as a reminder to the federal government and donor agencies for providing funds to start work on the development plan. It dates back to 2006 when a nine-year development strategy for the uplift of Fata was laid down.
The report emphasises the need to implement the proposed suggestions ‘earnestly and expeditiously’. 'It also requires to be ensured that the full benefits reach the people,' it says, adding non-provision of adequate funds would give way to more disappointment and frustration.
The report encompasses estimates of financial losses on account of damage to infrastructure and economy. It gives separate estimates of social and environmental costs, human losses and security and financial costs.
Infrastructure losses have been calculated at $103 million, economic costs at $119 million, social costs at $1.11 billion, environmental costs at $188 million, and security and IDPs costs at $572 million.
In addition, $55 million is required to pay compensation to families of victims, including 3,205 dead and 2,160 injured.
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