Pakistan

Not possible to give Rs20,000 to flood affected: Kaira

Information Minister Kaira says that it is not possible to pay Rs20,000 each to affected families before Eid.

Express September 07, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira on Tuesday said that it is not possible for the government to pay Rs20,000 each to the flood affected families before Eid.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Kaira said the government has so far distributed more than Rs1 billion through the Benazir Income Support Programme.

He also admitted that the government did not spend lot money on the safety of the embankments. However, he said that it is trying its level best to provide relief to the people.

Around two weeks ago the government had decided that Rs20,000 will be allocated to each flood-affected family and an initial instalment of Rs5,000 will be given.

Moreover the victims have to show their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC) to the authorities in order to receive the aid. This is a problem for many, as numerous victims reportedly lost their ID cards in the floods.

COMMENTS (10)

Aamir Saeed | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Sir, Still not receive wattanc card. Please issue me wattanc card for resettlement of my house. Best Regards, Aamir Saeed

Maitre | 13 years ago | Reply Stop such justification. The living ones are more important than the dead ones. We are not here to make monument that consumes up our country's hard hit budget, we are here to help our countrymen. I think if the 'haves' of Pakistan follow 'Angelina Julie's footsteps, they will not only help the government rehabilitate the flood affectees but also earn the much fleeing respect for them.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Sultan Ahmed. | 13 years ago | Reply open wallet and distribute all have received don't try to save, it is trust,national and international trust. Breach of trust is crime, don't saying so.

Fayaz Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply In my openion as BB being highly respected personality not only in Pakistan but internationally, work on building her monument should not be haulted and by the way that amount i do not think could do much to the affectees rather government and ministries should decrease their expenses, in long run would be very much fruitful.

halima | 13 years ago | Reply What is the point of spending so lavishly on parks (Benazir park)when you need money and space for flood victims. Why doesnt Zardari give the money from his own wealth rather than suggesting stupid taxes which will derail the stable people of the country to help the unstable people.Why cant they cover the parks and house the flood victims there instead of flooding schools with these people and disrupting educational set ups. Come one Zardari, its time to go.

Anis Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Yet another display of amateur style govt practices. Looks like these people are experimenting and not working. Those who voted to bring this govt in power are going to regret it forever. Pakis! Try some new leadership next time.

MediaMouse | 13 years ago | Reply Maybe they should cancel the 'Benazir Bhutto Shaheed' monument they're building with taxpayers' money and divert it into a flood relief fund. http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cuno=2&itemno=383139&version=1&templateid=41&parentid=23

Fayaz Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply That is very strange news, if the government was not able to deliver the said amount which is definately not much for the flood victims to restart their lives normally than why have they announced it in the first place. that poses lack of coordination and planning among the different government institution who are involved in the rescue and rehabilation efforts. I am not directly affected by the floods but i started worryng for the peoples who have started to believe that due to sudden disasterous effects of the flood government might not be able to start well organized rescue operation but definately will do better during the second phase of rehabilation, considering the present situation and the hollow promises that process does not seem to be materialized as expected.

Usman | 13 years ago | Reply I, for some odd reason, saw this coming. The current government is notorious for not following through on its own promises for example implementing the decision of the Supreme Court, ending load-shedding by the end of last year, forming an independent commission to monitor handling of flood funds, and improving the quality of life of Pakistanis. When are we going to realize that this government is not going to deliver, ever! Also, Mr. Kaira can you please tell us the exact amount that the government has amassed so far in the flood relief fund?

maria memon | 13 years ago | Reply yesterday i was watching a program on express tv, marvi memon , shaikh Rashid and javed chaudhry expressed their views that goverment would not be able to deliver money to the victims and to day it is proved by the govt. it is really matter of great shame for the govt and on asif zardari, kaira, gilani and all the minster of the govt including MQM and we are ashamed of these leaders.

Replying to X