PM says transparency will be ensured

Federal govt to consider Punjab govt’s demand of Rs25 billion

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani vowed on Tuesday to ensure transparency in the relief operations being undertaken in the flood-ravaged areas of the country.

Addressing the flood-stricken people during his visit to Layyah, the prime minister said all political parties will be taken into confidence on the flood situation in the country. The premier said that political parties had rallied behind the effort to rescue flood victims. In the first phase, he said,  the government’s priority is to complete the rescue operation for the people stuck in flooded areas while in the second phase, rehabilitation of the flood victims will be undertaken.

The prime minister said the government was monitoring the situation and would ensure that relief goods reach the people in the camps and those still stranded. He promised that despite the large quantum of damage, the government would try its best to reach out to the people and provide them food, shelter and medical assistance.

The premier said the centre will work with the Punjab government in the rehabilitation process adding that the federal government will consider the provincial government’s demand of Rs25 billion for the flood victims. He has also appealed to the affluent people of the country to donate grants in the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for those affected by the floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2010.