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- The Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani officially announced on 09 July, that IDPs can start returning to their homes in Swat and Buner Districts as of forthcoming Monday, 13 July. Electricity, gas and also banks are reported to be restored. For security reasons the Pakistani Army will remain in the valley though. First, those living in camps will be supported in returning home. They will be followed by those living in Government buildings (e.g. schools) and then by those living with relatives and friends. The fourth phase will include those who have temporarily moved away from North-West-Pakistan.
- The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Sir John Holmes is in Pakistan on a four-day visit to assess the situation and the progress made in providing humanitarian assistance. On his trip he visited host communities in Mardan, the humanitarian hub “Mardan 2”, and Yar-Hussain-Camp in Swabi. He also met with local government officials and expressed his appreciation for the strong cooperation of the Government. On his final day, today, he went to Buner District to examine the effects of the fighting and speak to former IDPs who had already returned. Later today he will meet with Senior Pakistani Government officials in Islamabad, including the Prime Minister and the President Asif Ali Zardari.
- The security situation in the country remains unpredictable and volatile. The UN Security Phase III persists and the risk of attacks in major towns is still reported to be high.
- A Logistics Cluster coordination meeting was held in Islamabad this week, with 17 participants from various humanitarian organisations and donors.
- A new hub has been established in Daggar, Buner District. The number of Humanitarian Hubs serving IDPs in NWFP host communities consequently increased to 36; the number of distribution centres within camps is constant 10.
- Logistics Cluster provided transport services to IRD from Pirpiai to five locations in Peshawar and Mardan.
- UNICEF- and UNHCR- guesthouses in Peshawar are no longer available for staff from other humanitarian agencies. This has an impact on the overall operation, as there are momentarily no other options for accommodation, and international Peshawar-staff will have to continue to work from Islamabad.