“The government has not allowed us to move ahead,” the multi-billionaire philanthropist told a press conference. Bahria Town will also set up model villages for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) when they return home.
“We want to do it ourselves,” he said replying to a question, why not simply donate cash to the government for helping the IDPs, “and we have shown that private sector can do better,” he added.
There must be some reasons the government is hesitant to let independent organisations serve the people of North Waziristan, he said.
Replying to a query, Malik Riaz said he was not criticising the government, he just wants the permission to move his men and machinery. “We have worked for the people affected by the earthquake, floods and the recent drought in Tharparkar,” he said. The Bahria Town dastarkhwan, literally meaning tablecloth, serves free food to over a 100,000 people daily, he said. Bahria Town also offers free health care to the destitute.
When pointed out that it is perceived that the IDPs are avoiding coming to camps due to their tribal traditions, Malik Riaz said, “Over a million people came to Bahria Town camp set up in Mardan following the 2005 earthquake.”
The Bahria Town chairman said he is willing to arrange camps with basic facilities for the IDPs if the government allows.
To another question he said not only Bahria Town but every welfare organisation should be allowed to help the North Waziristan people.
He said that he had called upon top businesspersons to set up a fund for assisting the underprivileged people of the country. “I would be happy if instead of Malik Riaz there is a forum to help people in distress.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2014.
COMMENTS (10)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
we are very happy that you help the poor and needed. may allah bless you and give you more to help the poor.
well done malik , What about more then 150,000 members of DHA including JCOs NCOs and shaeeds of army who have paid more then 200 billions to DHA . Amount as per media news is transfered to BAHRIA TOWN for development of Phase2 extn and DHA Valley. Land for both projects have not been purchased.
how much taxes he is paying?
@ Disgusted
Always criticize.
Regardless of the controversies that surround him, his philanthropist side needs to be appreciated. Vocational training is a medium to long term solution, what about the daily needs? Furthermore, what good will it do when there are no industries to employ them?
We ourselves do nothing but have the audacity to criticize people who try doing something whether its him, Edhi, Chippa etc.
Shameful!
The good work and a helping hand in any way should always be appreciated. Well done Bahria Town !
Giving free food to 100,000 people only results in producing 100,000 beggars daily. So Bahria/Malik Riaz has created millions of beggars in this country, and continues to do so as per his own admission???!!
My suggestion:
Give them some sort of vocational training so that they can earn a honest livelihood. If you can, provide them jobs in your organization. If you can't, try and give them some training that can increase their earning power and help them secure some type of job.
Don't give 'free' food, however you can give them subsidized food.
Mr. Malik no wonder if you run for prime minister in coming years..:)
Actions speak louder than media reports. Besides, please do not dispense ill gotten wealth as charity
Thank you Mr Malik Riaz. May Allah bless you and all those helping the IDPs
Respect Sahb.