PM vows timely rehab of quake-hit
At least 271 people have been confirmed dead and 2,158 injured as reports of casualties are still coming in from remote areas after a 7.5 magnitude temblor shook the northern parts of the country
TIMERGARA/KHAR: Kicking off the compensation process a week after the October 26 earthquake, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif assured the affected families of timely rehabilitation before the harsh winter of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) sets in.
Pakistan’s northern parts were rattled by a 7.5 magnitude quake last Monday. At least 271 people have been confirmed dead and another 2,158 injured as reports of casualties are still coming in from remote areas.
The massive tremors also damaged around 33,445 houses, according to the figures compiled by disaster management authorities.
Addressing gatherings of earthquake-hit people in Timergara and Khar on Monday, the premier said the relief package for the quake-hit population had been worked out and funds would be dispensed among the survivors at the earliest.
In Timergara, Nawaz gave cheques to 211 people, marking the formal start of the compensation process on Monday, as promised by the government. Cheques of Rs600,000 were given to the heirs of those who died in the quake, while cheques of Rs200,000 were handed out to those who lost a body part.
The families whose houses were destroyed were also given cheques of Rs200,000 while the injured victims got Rs100,000 each. The cheques can be cashed from Tuesday onwards.
Fulfilled promise
In his address, Nawaz said the government had fulfilled its promise of providing support to the earthquake-hit people in the shortest possible time. He admitted the financial package could not replace the loss of the loved ones, but its main purpose was to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people.
The cheque distribution ceremony was held at Balambat FC Cantonment in Lower Dir where K-P Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak, Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and Federal Information Minister Pervez Rashid were also present.
The premier mentioned the compensation package was formulated in consultation with Khattak and efforts were under way to complete the process as fast as possible.
The government, he added, aimed to provide relief to the victims within four days but it was delayed because of lack of proper information.
Blankets, food
He directed the authorities to ensure prompt provision of relief goods, including blankets, food and tents, as the mercury in high-altitude areas was going to drop significantly within the next few weeks. He lauded the assistance provided by armed forces in the earthquakehit zones and also commended the provincial government and public representatives for their timely support.