Humanitarian situation in Buner, Lower Dir improving, says official

Islamabad, May 19 (IANS) The humanitarian situation in Buner and Dir districts in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) is gradually improving as the security forces were able to eliminate the Taliban threat from most parts of the region, an official said Tuesday.

Lt. General Nadeem Ahmed, head of the Special Support Group for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), said the situation is improving in Buner and Lower Dir areas.

The official said: 'The forces are facing resistance (from the militants) at some places, but we will overcome that soon.'

Electricity has been provided in the relief camps but the biggest problem at the moment is the registration of the affected people for government help, Geo TV said citing the official.

He said: 'The issue of meal in the camps has been resolved to a certain extent and it is our job to deliver aid to genuine affectees. The first convoy of aid, comprising 10 trucks, has reached Khawaza Khela, but the unrest (over relief materials) still exists in some areas of Mohmand.'

Nadeem said food has been sent to those who had failed to migrate to safer areas when the violence broke out in their area.