WE must learn lessons from Pakistan`s response both to its worst-ever floods in 2010 and to the crisis of displacement from the Swat military operations in 2009.

Substantial socioeconomic developments are the need of the time. A sustainable development plan requires local communities to be involved in setting the policy framework, providing funding and addressingstructuralissues.

The IDPs are marginalised people compared with the rest of the country`s population. These people have sacrificed a lot for the country. Driven out of their homes, getting their properties confiscated they are left stranded by the government. Despite all, they continue to view their plight as a sacrifice for the nation. With help from the civil-military partnership, communities can be equipped to play this role to establish intergenerational relationships.

The military operation is one aspect of kicl(ing out terriorists. Relief and rehabilitation of affected population is a far more important task because it lays the foundation upon which the new social contract can be developed. It is evident that the federal government has failed to effectively manage the relief and rehabilitation of the affected population.

The military has played a major role in establishing peace and relief activities. The army has looked after the welfare of the displaced persons by playing an exemplary role in the cleansing of Waziristan.

It is time the federal government played its role as the national responsibility to stabilise these IDPs. If local governments cannot utilise or handle the funds, then the funds should be handed over to the military to run these matters.

Fatima Mansoor Rawalpindi