Cost of life will now be the same in K-P and FATA

Govt increases compensation from Rs30,000 to Rs100,000 for slain polio workers.

PESHAWAR/ JAMRUD:

As the polio vaccination drives kicked off in Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur agencies on Monday, Governor Shaukatullah Khan did his part and administered the vaccine to children at Jamrud Civil Hospital on Monday.

He was accompanied by a Khyber Agency MNA, Al Hajj Shahji Gul, and Political Agent Mutahir Zeb.

After vaccinating the children, the governor spoke about the martyrs’ package where the families of those people who lost their lives while conducting the drives in the tribal areas would be compensated the same way as the victims’ families in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This means the victims’ families will receive Rs100,000.

According to the governor, initially the victims’ families used to get a food package and Rs30,000 as compensation in the agencies.

While talking to the media, the governor said practical steps are being taken to eradicate polio in the tribal areas. He added a comprehensive plan has been devised with cooperation from the tribal elders.

Sharing his fears of many children growing up with physical disabilities, Shaukatullah Khan said polio eradication was the need of the hour and if it isn’t dealt with immediately, Pakistanis would have to face travel restrictions.

Taking care of business

At the office of the hospital’s medical superintendent, the governor went through the attendance register and ordered disciplinary action against Dr Asad and nurse Kausar Bibi for their prolonged absence.

According to a handout issued by the Governor House, Shaukatullah Khan also paid a visit to a commander of the khasadar force to show commitment and appreciation. After polio supervisors and workers refused to participate in the vaccination drives in the agency, around 200 khasadar and levies forces were trained on Sunday to conduct the next one.

Internal affairs

According to the governor, internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Tirah Valley had been gone back home but those from Bara tehsil were still in the process of returning.

“Some of the IDPs are still housed at camps,” he said. “We have asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for financial support for sponsorship and rehabilitation of the IDPs.”

While talking about a survey on the damages caused to properties in Khyber Agency, the governor said the government did not want these problems to escalate and believed in resolving these issues through dialogue.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2014.