COUNTERING VACUUM IN POLICY ON INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pakistan has been facing the critical issue of internal displacement for over a decade now. Though the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Pakistan is a step in the right direction, it is yet to be determined whether these bodies are sufficient to cater for the needs of the displaced persons or an overarching policy is needed. The same has so far not been chalked out to deal with challenges of internal displacement, emanating from natural and man-induced catastrophes. The paper argues that the country has never found a viable solution for displacement. The United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement emphasise that states should implement these principles to cope with the issues of internal displacement. On the academic level, it is firmly believed that all states should incorporate these guiding principles in their domestic laws to tackle pre/post-disaster management situations along with a well-guided working plan to mitigate human sufferings. Also, the paper attempts to highlight the vacuum existing in the policy perspective about internal displacement and addresses the gaps with viable policy recommendations.