Pakistan not to abandon Quake-hit People: PM
'Pakistan Times' NWFP Bureau

MANSEHRA: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said the government will not abandon the people affected by the Oct 8 earthquake and would ensure provision of housing and other infrastructure.

Addressing a ceremony at distribution of Emergency Livelihood Cash Grants among the survivors to help revive economic activity, he said in the aftermath of country's worst ever natural calamity the people of Pakistan proved their mettle and a commitment to rebuild their lives.

Aziz assured the victims that besides ensuring distribution of compensation for losses in the quake affected areas, the government would also increase job opportunities for the affected population.

The Prime Minister termed the October 8 incident as very sad, and unforgettable and said the nation was ready to face any challenge.

He said the people and government of Pakistan along with the international support worked with devotion to restore life in the quake hit areas.

He also noted the role of Pakistan Army in the quake affected areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP. He said special funds had been allocated for the repair of roads, provision of educational and health facilities, supply of clean drinking water supply and sewerage system in the affected areas of AJK and NWFP.

The Prime Minister said the expansion project of Karakoram Highway would help promote trade between Pakistan and China and benefit the local population by generating more economic activity and create more jobs.

He said the government believed in positive politics and was devotedly working for the welfare of the masses.

Aziz also distributed cheques for interest-free loans to help income stabilisation in the earthquake affected areas.

Under the project loans worth Rs 3 billion would be disbursed in 949 districts and around 100,000 families would be benefited.

Khushali Bank President Ghalib Nishtar said micro-loans would be provided interest free to low-income segments for upto one year.

The Prime Minister who earlier visited the newly constructed pre-fabricated building of the Hazara University and said special measures have been taken to revive educational facilities in the quake-hit areas. He announced Rs30 million for the University.

The function was attended by Governor NWFP Lt Gen (retd) Ali Mohammad Jan Orakzai, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, Minister for Interprovincial

Coordination Saleem Saifullah Khan, Minister for Industries Jehangir Tareen, Minister for Culture Ghazi Gulab Jamal and Minister for Political Affairs Amir Muqam and Chairman ERRA Altaf Saleem also attended the function.●