The earthquake of 8/10/2005 was really a big disaster for the whole Pakistani nation and a lot of fund is required for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims. More than $5 billions is needed for this purpose and only 15% of this amount has been received as yet.
It is a critical situation now. Snowfall and winter season has already started and there is fear of great loss of human lives if timely steps are not taken. The following suggestions may help a great deal in relief and rehabilitation:
1) Infrastructure of 3.5 million Afghan refugee camps may be utilised and the government should start shifting the willing people to those camps on fast track, so that they may be saved from the disastrous winter season. Meanwhile, the reconstruction of the affected areas may be carried out and when the winter season is over after a few months, the victims may be re-shifted to their homes from the camps.
2) The Government of Pakistan has more than $11 billion as foreign exchange reserves and it should utilise these reserves at this critical time, not waiting for foreign assistance. It should use its own funds to carry out the important tasks like purchase of tents and relief goods as well as construction of houses, rather than relying on the donations from international community as it have done a lot in its capacity, pressing them more will not yield any positive results.
3) NCC/Scouts/Volunteers are requested to be engaged for relief work after giving a few days short training by armed forces and Edhi Trust to undertake rescue work by them.
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