IDPs facing hardships in getting houses on rent

[Naveed Yaseen]

RAWALPINDI: The internally displaced persons (IDPs) from troubled areas of Malakand Division are facing hardships in getting accommodation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Most of them are facing financial problems as they left their homes in emergency when military operation against militants started in the restive areas. A few families having money with them are running from pillar to post to get accommodation in twin cities on rent. They said not only rents of houses in low-cost areas had increased manifold, but landlords were also hesitant to rent out houses to them fearing that Taliban might occupy their houses in the guise of IDPs. Landlords also demand six months rent in advance and security deposit equivalent to three months rent, they said. Sajjad Ahmed Khan, who along with his eight family members arrived here from Swat, said he was in search of an accommodation since May 8. Khan said he had visited Khyban-e-Sir Syed, Amin Town, Gali Loharan near Pirwadhai and Hazara Colony but no one agreed to rent his house to him. Khan said most of the people feared that he or any of his family members could be militant and create trouble for him. Khan said he knew dozens of displaced families facing the same dilemma. Khan said landlords were demanding over Rs 10,000 rent for a two to three rooms accommodation, which was earlier available at a rent of Rs 5,000 to 6,000 per month. He said the landlords were setting very harsh terms and conditions for renting out their houses to IDPs. Haji Karim from Kalam, Swat said his family was sharing a house with another 12 families in Golra at a rent of Rs 16,000. The IDPs feared that in the coming days the issue of accommodation would further aggravate with the expected arrival of more refugees to twin cities. staff report

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg11_2