PESHAWAR, Oct 28 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Wednesday announced a compensation package for the people of
earthquake affected areas of Khyber Pakhthunkhwa, FATA and Gilgit
Baltistan that would be handed over to the affected people in
shortest possible time.
Addressing a press conference following a briefing here at the
Governor House, the Prime Minister was appreciative of the rescue,
relief and rehabilitation work being carried out by the provincial
government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Army and the civil
administration.
The prime Minister said the federal government in close
consultation with the provincial government agreed on the
compensation package, with both the sides to have a share of 50 percent.
To a question he said the federal and provincial governments
were working in close coordination, while rising above the political
affiliations or any differences.
“The days of division on party basis are over, now we all
stand united at a critical juncture, and are working selflessly to
serve the masses, who are facing a difficult time.”
He said all steps would be taken to ensure that the real
victims get the compensation amount, that would be verified by a
three-member committee, comprising representatives of the
administration, local representative and one from the Pakistan army.
He said the verification process will take four days and
cheques would be distributed from Monday – Nov 2, and completed in
all areas by Thursday.
He said the compensation would be paid to the families of
those who lost their lives, the injured and the loss of property in
the earthquake.
The Prime Minister announced Rs 600,000 for the dead, Rs 100,000
for injured,and for those who lost a limb – Rs 200,000. He said the compensation amount was very little for their pain and grief, but said
it was an effort on part of the government to assist them in their hour
of need.
He said the government would pay an amount of Rs 200,000 for
houses that have been fully damaged and Rs 100,000 for partially
damaged houses.
The Prime Minister said according to his initial information,
so far 208 deaths have been reported from KPK, while 29 from
FATA, while around 1000 were injured. He said while reporting the
number of dead, it was important that correct, official figures were
reported so that there was no confusion.
To a question he said the federal government would pay the
entire compensation amount for victims in FATA, and if the
provincial government wishes it can make its contribution.
Prime Minister Sharif said relief and rehabilitation work was
now picking pace, following the search and rescue phase. He said, he
was in constant touch with the National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA). Despite the inaccessible location of
affected areas and distances involved, efforts were being made to
reach out to the people, maximum by tomorrow, he added.
The Prime Minister thanked Allah Almighty that the losses were not
as severe as these were in the 7.6 magnitude 2008 earthquake, that was lesser in magnitude than the 8.1 magnitude one that struck the region on Monday.
The Prime Minister who visited Shangla yesterday said the
weather has turned cold over the past few days and it was vital that
the rehabilitation work was completed in the shortest possible time.
The meeting was attended by Governor KPK Sardar Mehtab Ahmed
Khan and Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, Federal Minister for
Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez
Rashid, senior officials of the NDMA, Pakistan Army, Provincial
Disaster Management Authority and concerned departments.
Pakistan's National News Agency
