Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday announced to provide jobs in government departments to the people, disabled in October 8 earthquake and reiterated full support to the injured till their complete recovery and rehabilitation.
Addressing a representative group of people who were severely injured in the country's worst-ever natural disaster here at the PM House, he assured that victims would be well taken care of.
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake last year killed over 73,000, injured a similar number and rendered around 3.5 million homeless in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and North West Frontier Province.
The prime minister said all the female disabled would be provided education and vocational training so that they might contribute in national development as responsible people.
"Our prayers are with you and we will continue to work for your full recovery," the prime minister told the 34 injured who were still getting treatment in various facilities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Secretary Health Anwar Mehmood said around 3500 people had severe disabilities, including spinal cord injuries. Of these 725 had to undergo amputation and were given artificial limbs. Around 350 returned to their homes after treatment, he said and added 250 were now getting treatment as outdoor patients, while 270 were being treated in the twin cities.
Shaukat Aziz specifically noted the role of doctors, paramedics, nurses and volunteers, who worked selflessly to get the injured back to their feet.
"We are proud of you and may Allah Almighty reward you for your hard work," he added.
He said soon after the devastating quake the Pakistani nation rose to the occasion and faced the calamity with commitment and a resolve despite all odds.
He said the government with the help from the Armed forces, civil administration, foreign agencies and volunteers rushed to the rescue and rehabilitation and would stand by quake victims till the life comes to normalcy.
"The earthquake taught us that together we can surmount all problems," he said and urged the nation to keep up this spirit by reaching out to those who lost all they had last year in the quake.
The prime minister, along with Begum Rukhsana Aziz also distributed gifts amongst the disabled, majority of whom were still in wheel chairs, but now had a glimmer of hope in their eyes and seemed more relaxed.
He also directed the Health Ministry to ensure that the gifts be distributed amongst all the disabled. "You look much better and are recovering fast in spite of your grievous injuries and we assure to stand by you," he added.
Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani, Health Minister Muhammad Nasir Khan, Minister for Social Welfare Zubaida Jalal and Minister of State for Information Tariq Azeem also attended the event.
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