§ Tony WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action is being taken by the Government of Pakistan and representatives of the international community to address tensions between local residents and refugees in the Balochistan area of Pakistan. [49005]
§ Clare ShortBalochisan has suffered a prolonged drought and refugee crisis. The Government of Pakistan and international donor are working to alleviate both aspects of this crisis.
The UK has provided support to both refugees and host communities. UN agencies are assisting with the voluntary repatriation of refugees, and are currently considering packages of assistance to help Balochistan and NWFP with the post-refugee rehabilitation effort. The Asian Development bank and the World bank have provided assistance to alleviate the impact of the drought, and the World Food Programme has just launched an appeal for Balochistan.