The UK will support an international drive to help millions of people affected by conflict in Pakistan, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today. The support will include both short-term help like food aid and longer-term development work such as ensuring more girls go to school.
 
In a multi-million pound package of support for of the government of Pakistan's reconstruction efforts, the UK will work with the international community on projects including:
•        construction of temporary bridges to provide links to isolated areas;
•        helping families buy seeds and tools and replace lost livestock to rebuild local economies;
•        temporary schools to help girls get the education they need for a better chance of finding a job and enjoying a healthier life.  

Parts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) have been severely affected by fighting in the past year. At the height of the conflict, 2.7 million sought refuge from the conflict - 2.5 million people have now returned. The challenge is to help them rebuild their livelihoods and re-establish local infrastructure and services.

DFID will provide £20 million for short term assistance to those who continue to be affected by this ongoing humanitarian crisis, and to promote early recovery in the region. This will include food aid for up to 1.4 million people and practical support for up to 2 million people trying to rebuild their livelihoods.

Working with partners on the ground, the Department for International Development’s programme will also provide £10 million to build temporary bridges, a key early step to allow wider reconstruction work, and to build 40 temporary schools for 4,000 children, particularly primary schools for girls.

£10 million (and a further £20 million subject to performance) will go to a Multi Donor Trust Fund for reconstruction and development in conflict affected areas bordering Afghanistan. Working with the government of Pakistan and other donors, this will help restore damaged public infrastructure, improve the way that local and provincial government work is carried out, and get disrupted services back on track. This will help address identified needs including mending over 1500 km of roads, replacing 700,000 head of lost livestock and ensuring people are able to get fresh, clean water.

Douglas Alexander, International Development Secretary, said:

"Millions of people have been displaced by the fighting in Pakistan.  They cannot get medical care, they don't have access to schools and they don't have the tools they need to put their lives back together.  This is why we are working side by side with the GoP and other aid donors to provide practical help like schools, clinics, livestock, clean water, seeds and new roads.
 
"Longer-term, tackling poverty will play its part in making these areas more stable and peaceful.  We can help to address issues which fuel community grievances and lead to support for violent extremism."