Philanthropy: Malik Riaz donates Rs100 million to CM for IDPs

Other philanthropists hand over cheques worth Rs60 million to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

LAHORE:

Malik Riaz, along with other philanthropists, industrialists, traders and assembly members met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to donate cheques worth Rs160 million towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for internally displaced persons.

Philanthropists from Lahore gave cheques worth Rs3.5 million. Industrialists presented cheques worth Rs1.35 million for Chief Minister’s Relief Fund which include Rs2.5 million by Guard Group, Rs2.5 million by SK Brothers, Rs3 million by Master Paint and Rs2.5 million by Packages.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that a large number of philanthropists are donating funds for IDPs in response to his appeal.

He added that every amount that is donated towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund will be spent in a transparent manner. He said that this goodwill gesture for displaced people is highly commendable and they are earning the blessings of Almighty Allah by helping IDPs.

The chief minister said that the people of North Waziristan – who have been displaced due to a military offensive to combat militancy – have shown themselves to be great Pakistanis by virtue of their courage and fortitude.

Shahbaz said that those forced to migrate are currently facing problems and difficulties for the sake of peace in Pakistan. He said that helping affected families in their hour of distress is the moral obligation of a responsible citizen.

He pledged that the Punjab government will spare no effort in providing assistance to displaced people and ensure their rehabilitation. Shahbaz asserted that the Punjab government will not rest until the complete rehabilitation of affected families to their houses.

The chief minister said that relief items worth crores of rupees have been sent to Bannu from Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2014.