Post-Conflict Assistance in Swat

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 000011 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID MASS SNAR PK PTER SUBJECT: Post-Conflict Assistance in Swat REF: 07 PESHAWAR 800 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: This cable outlines options Post is considering to assist the GOP in providing post-conflict assistance to citizens in Swat (Northwest Frontier Province) who have suffered during the military's recent anti-terrorist campaign. We have reviewed existing Mission assistance programs and are engaging Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) officials. DCM and PO Consulate Peshawar met with the 11th Corps Commander December 26. He agreed to facilitate getting DCM and other mission staff to Swat to conduct a quick needs assessment in the next two weeks. Our hope is that by providing USG support quickly at this pivotal time, we will encourage the GOP to sustain its security and development efforts in Swat. END SUMMARY. Pivotal Time in Swat -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Although security operations continue, the Pakistan military is consolidating control of the NWFP's Swat District, a settled area in the province that became a target for militant activity in 2007. The government's challenge now is to maintain a presence that prevents militants from returning and to rebuild weak district level civil institutions. The military and Frontier Corps (FC) are stretched thin by requirements throughout the tribal areas, and a return of militant influence in Swat would be a psychological blow to the Pakistani military, undermine public confidence in the government, and embolden militancy throughout the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). ¶3. (U) President Musharraf publicly acknowledged the need for post-conflict assistance in his December 15 address on lifting the state of emergency. He said militants had caused "great damage to the people of Swat" but praised residents for cooperating with security forces and for not joining in terrorist activities. He announced an Eid package of clothes, blankets, and food. Timely Support for Success -------------- ¶4. (SBU) With much at stake and the need to act quickly, we have reviewed the Mission's security and development programs to see what might be available for post-conflict Swat. Consulate Peshawar is reviewing our proposals with NWFP officials to ensure coordination as we move forward. The Consul General and DCM met with the 11th Corps Commander Dec. 26 to offer assistance. They detailed the types and quantities of assistance post wanted to provide quickly. The 11th Corps Commander responded enthusiastically and offered to take the DCM to Swat for a hands-on assessment of the situation. We hope to get there before January 15. The Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS),Office of Defense Representative, Pakistan (ODRP) and USAID have identified areas where assistance can be made available in Swat. NAS: Road Construction and Law Enforcement -------------- ¶5. (SBU) NAS has identified an unsubobligated portion of USD1.5 million in counternarcotics funds for FY 2006, approved for roads and engineering development schemes. NAS is already delivering about 50 4x4 pickups and can provide commodity support to Law Enforcement assigned in Swat. That includes vehicles (trucks, jeeps, pickups, ambulances, water bousers),commo gear, protective equipment - vests, helmets, and more. ODRP: Training and Equipping of a Permanent FC Presence -------------- -------------- ¶6. (SBU) ODRP has identified USD5.6 million in FY 2007 counternarcotics (CN) funding that is currently not obligated. Under our goals in support of the Pakistani military's effort to reestablish a secure environment for the people of Swat, these funds could be used to build a facility for training and equipping the Frontier Corps (FC) in Mingora, Swat. (Note: There has been no permanent FC presence in Swat, but the military plans to establish four new FC Wings. ODRP's CN funding in Swat would be used to support the building of one FC Wing HQ/barracks where training/equipping can be expanded.) Humanitarian Assistance -------------- ISLAMABAD 00000011 002 OF 002 ¶7. (SBU) CENTCOM allocated USD 500,000 in Humanitarian Assistance funds to address the humanitarian needs in Swat, including health (Mobile Medical/Dental Clinics) and education (schools for the FC, other government officials and their families, and possibly local school children). USAID: Needs Assessment and Development Projects -------------- --- ¶8. (SBU) USAID is prepared to support a series of projects in Swat to provide health and education services and offer opportunities to micro-entrepreneurs. These activities could take place in the immediate to short-term period (one-three months). A brief (10 day) assessment would precede the activities to confirm choice and site selection. A) Education: To enable children who are displaced by the conflict to continue their education, USAID can immediately provide "school in a box kits." Each kit provides school materials (books, pencils, erasers, etc.) for 80 kids. USAID could also fund minor repairs to schools that have been damaged during the fighting. Other activities are extending the FATA Water, Environment and Sanitation Program to girls' schools in Swat; strengthening the Regional Institute of Teacher Education (RITE) Barikot by providing a computer lab and training; and providing libraries and computer labs to high schools where space and electricity are available. B) Health: To restore and improve health care for mothers and children, who are especially vulnerable at this time, USAID could train staff in maternal and newborn care, emergency care, and life saving skills; provide refresher training for 20 existing midwives; offer an orientation to 50 traditional birth attendants; enable linkages with health facilities to improve referrals; and establish two birthing centers in the region. C) Microfinance: USAID can expand a current micro-finance program into the region to assist the micro-entrepreneurs whose businesses have been affected by the conflict. Additionally, Khushhali Bank could establish a scholarship and distance learning program in their local branch in Swat. PATTERSON