PM directs preparation of relief plan for quake affectees

Prime Minister's Balochistan Relief fund also set up to which people can deposit their donations.

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has directed that a comprehensive Compensation and Rehabilitation Plan for the Balochistan earthquake affectees be prepared and presented to him immediately upon his return from abroad, according to Radio Pakistan. An earthquake relief fund has also been set up.

On the directions of the Prime Minister‚ a special meeting chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was convened in Islamabad on Saturday to assess earthquake damage in affected areas.

The Prime Minister directed everyone to ensure that every affected household be helped and at least one month's food ration be provided immediately to each household.

Nawaz said that the Army‚ Frontier Corps and Civil Administration should maintain an equity pattern in the distribution of aid and transportation. He directed that these measures be taken within seven days‚ starting from the day the earthquake struck.

Nawaz asked Federal Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch‚ Ministers of State Abdul Hakeem Baloch and Jam Kamal to remain in Awaran on a rotational basis to personally supervise relief activities.

Fund set up

Nawaz also directed setting up a special relief fund for rehabilitation and relief of earthquake affectees.

The Prime Minister’s Balochistan Earthquake Relief Fund for the rehabilitation and relief of earthquake affectees of Balochistan has been established through a Finance Division notification in all scheduled banks and people can make donations in this account.

People can deposit their donations in the State Bank Treasuries, all branches of National Bank and all branches of Scheduled Banks.

Pakistani Missions abroad can also receive donations.

The Cabinet Division in consultation with the Finance Division will administer this fund.