News
PM directs swift distribution of compensation among the quake affected people
BALAKOT, Nov 06 : Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has directed swift distribution of compensation among the people affected by the earthquake and asked the governments of AJK and NWFP to provide a daily summary of the payments made.The Prime Minister who was visiting the worst hit area of the Oct 8 earthquake to express solidarity with the people on Eid ul Fitr said, the federal government has already released the funds for compensation of Rs 100,000 each for those who lost their lives, Rs 25,000 for seriously injured and another Rs 25,000 for reconstruction of the houses destroyed in the earthquake.
He asked the people still reluctant to leave their houses, in the highlands to get registered at the Relief Centres set up in towns and cities so that compensation can be made, after verification of their particulars.
Addressing a gathering of people, who lost their houses and lost their family members, here at a tent village, around 10 kms from the destroyed town of Balakot, he said "the whole nation today stands with you in your hour of trial and we will do everything to mitigate your sufferings."
He urged the nation to stand united in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake to face the challenges ahead with courage and determination.
"We with the help of our civil society, NGOs, volunteers and the Armed Forces of Pakistan, will overcome all challenges and will make Pakistan strong." He said three centres were being set up at Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Islamabad for provision of modern artificial limbs for those who had to undergo amputations.
He said schools in all the quake affected areas would startfunctioning soon and said large tents have already been dispatched to all such locations.
The Prime Minister who was accompanied by Chief Minister NWFP Muhammad Akram Khan Durrani, the Ministers for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Health Nasir Khan, was earlier briefed about the facilities at the camp, which include housing facility for over 1200 people, provision of separate toilets for men and women, clean drinking water, medical camp and school.
He was told that water purification systems have been installed by UNICEF, Australia, Germany and the Red Crescent which were providing clean water in the camps and in the city.
The Prime Minister called for establishing Utility Stores so that people can buy everyday commodities at reasonable prices. He also directed provision of generators for provision of electricity in the camps.
He visited different sections of the camp, including the new kitchen, that was being established by a seven- ember South Korean team of volunteers that can cater to around 5000 meals three times a day.
Prime Minister Aziz was highly appreciative of the gesture and said it was a lesson for all to learn, and how to help the fellow people in their difficult time. He later distributed eidee among the children. The Prime Minister later visited the relief camp at Banda SahibKhan near Havaliean. The camp can cater to 10,000 people, but so far has only 500 inhabitants who are getting food, medical aid and shelter.
The Lions Club has donated steel cabins for the affected people from Balakot, Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Allai and Abbotabad.
The camp has a full time doctor, a dispensary and an ambulance, besides a madrassa and separate schools for girls and boys. He was informed that the children have been vaccinated, while the area was being sprayed regularly.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had an aerial view of Khaghan Valley road which has been reopened today after hetic efforts of the Pak Army engineers. The road has been reopened for light vechicles.