SHARANA (Pajhwok): Waziristan refugees, who took refuge in southeastern Paktika province years ago, are demanding of the government and aid agencies to provide them shelter and other basic facilities.
Fleeing a military operation, the refugees from Waziristan migrated to the Barmal district of Paktika in 2014 and since they have been lacking shelter, food, health and education facilities.
However, local officials say they are trying to solve the problems of these refugees.
Malak Mirzal of Saidgi tribe, who has been living in Laman area of Barmal district, told Pajhwok that they arrived in the area eight years ago and during this period many promises were made with them.
He said they were promised that houses would be built for them, but this remained unfulfilled. “We are not even provided tents.”
He urged the Afghan government to construct houses for them in order they were protected from heat in summer and cold in winter.
Shahzad, a Matakhel tribe elder, who also arrived in Paktika from Waziristan about eight years ago, said that there was no hospital or school in their area. “Our children are deprived of education and the sick cannot be taken to the hospital easily.”
He said they led a difficult life in the absence of hospital, schools and homes.
However, Paktika Refugees and Repatriation department officials said they had assisted the Waziristan refugees in the past and would try to resolve their problems.
Mohammad Sharif Zahoor, the financial and administrative manager at the department, told Pajhwok that currently 2,600 Waziristan families lived in Paktika, 2,540 families lived in Barmal and 60 families in Orgun district.
He said they had given priority to the Waziristan refugee in aid from the World Food Organization. He said efforts were underway to solve all problems of the refugees with the help of the central government.
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