* Official says only 42% of total amount required for IDPs received
* Says security situation needs to be acceptable before IDPs return
* Says security situation needs to be acceptable before IDPs return
ISLAMABAD: Pakistans reconstruction efforts in Swat and Malakand division after the military operation forced nearly two million people from their homes could cost billions of dollars, the top UN relief coordinator warned on Friday.
Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes also warned there was no immediate guarantee of security in parts of the northwest as the government prepared to return the first of the 1.9 million displaced people.
As for rehabilitation and reconstruction, costs should be in billions of dollars for a year or so, he told a news conference.
Funds appeal: In May, the United Nations launched a flash appeal for $542 million in emergency assistance, of which 42 percent had been donated.
We are not intending a new appeal but hope that donors will respond generously to the appeal launched by the UN, Holmes said.
Meanwhile, Holmes said conditions had to be favourable before the displaced were encouraged to return, Online reported.
Favourable situation: We would like them to be able to return to their home as soon as possible, but the process has to be voluntary. They need to be involved in those choices, the conditions need to be right. That means the security needs to be right, the basic services need to be there, Holmes said.
He singled out health that needed funding, saying he hoped donors would come forward and contribute generously.
The security situation is not going to be 100 percent calm in these areas overnight and we must recognise that, said Holmes, who is scheduled to leave Pakistan today (Saturday) after a four-day visit.
He ensured the UNs full support to Pakistan in helping with the return of the displaced. agencies
