Showing solidarity: Governor meets earthquake victims

Distributes relief goods including tents, blankets, sugar and flour among victims

LAHORE: Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein and we are ready to sacrifice our lives for it, said Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar. “I have assured the AJK government and authorities concerned that we will not abandon them in this hour of crisis.”

He expressed these views during his visit to meet victims in earthquake-hit areas of Jatlan, Mirpur Kashmir Office and DHQ hospital on Tuesday.

The governor, along with his wife Begum Parveen Sarwar, visited the earthquake struck areas and distributed relief goods worth Rs50 million. These consisted of tents, blankets, sugar bags and flour bags. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President in AJK Barrister Sultan Mehmood and others were also present at the occasion.

‘Pakistan will continue supporting Kashmiris’: Sarwar

The governor announced aid for the rehabilitation of houses of earthquake victims. “Under the leadership of the prime minister, we have exposed the realities of the Indian government in the international community and now we will carry on our mission to serving the people.”

At the DC’s office, the governor met Mirpur division Commissioner Chaudhry Muhammad Tayyab, Mirpur DC Tahir Mumtaz and district office holders who briefed him on the relief activities and relief needs of the earthquake-hit areas.

While expressing his views about the opposition alliance, the governor said. ”The opposition can go on to make any alliance but we are not bothered by it. The nation is with us and government will go on to complete its constitutional term and mission to serve the nation will continue.”

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He added that whenever the country faces a crisis, it unites the whole nation and even today, the government stands in support with the victims.

The commissioner briefed the governor that 30 lives were lost and 800 persons were injured because of the earthquake. “Around 3,000 houses were completely demolished whereas 20,000 houses were severely damaged.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2019.