Returning families remain homeless

SHARAN (PAN to southeastern Paktika province years ago.

The families say the government has extended them no assistance so far and has failed to honour the promises it held out to them before the return.

Adam Khan, a returnee, told Pajhwok Afghan News he had returned to Sharan, the provincial capital, two years ago and had since been living in a rented house.

He said he had submitted an application to the department concerned, seeking a plot to build a home. However, there had been no response so far, he complained.

Khan said he possessed documents proving his returnee status and that he had shown those papers to every department but failed to get any assistance.

A Matta Khan resident, Yar Mohammad, said he had returned from Pakistan 15 years ago and still lived in a rented house.

He said the returning families had registered for the allotment of land under a township programme, but he had no idea why the plan could not be implemented.

Other families held similar views, saying they were yet to be allotted plots. They said no practical step has so far been taken to provide them with shelter.

Those returned to the Yousafkhel district have no homes and are faced with economic problems.

Refugee and Repatriate Director Eng. Mohammad Kazim Haqpal acknowledged the problems being faced by returning families.

He also admitted work could not be initiated on a proposed township for the families returning from Pakistan. His department has registered nearly 4000 families who lacked homes.

He said a piece of land had been identified for the proposed township and plots would be distributed to returning families in the near future.

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