Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the flood has united the nation and it is time to build and strengthen Pakistan. He was addressing a ceremony held in the honour of donors, attended by a large number of local and foreign industrialists, traders, bankers, representatives of welfare organisations and philanthropists here on Tuesday, disclosed an official.
Planning and Development Chairman Javed Aslam, Punjab Investment Board Vice Chairman Rizwan Ahmad Khan and secretaries of various departments were also present. He said the nation has to put the country on the road to progress with a renewed passion and commitment. He also said the federal and provincial governments would have to lead by example and promote austerity and shun lavish lifestyle for gaining confidence of the people. "Flood has also brought new opportunities and construction of model villages having all modern facilities in the flood-hit areas is one such example," he added.
Praising the role of philanthropists and welfare organisations in the relief and rehabilitation of flood affectees, he said they have set a lofty example of public service and selflessness.
According to him, the worst flood of the country's history has caused large scale devastation in all the four provinces, affected 15 million people, damaged crops worth millions of rupees and washed away several villages. The efforts being made by industrialists, bankers and traders for the progress of the country and creating employment opportunities are commendable but they have also shown their patriotic spirit by taking an active part in relief and rehabilitation of the flooded people. Floods have caused large-scale damage and there is a need for a strong will, commitment and vision besides resources to cope with the challenge of rehabilitation of the flood affectees. It is time to utilise local resources instead of relying on foreign aid and take practical steps to adopt austerity.
He said some industries and government departments have outstanding utility bills worth billions of rupees and there is a need to ensure recovery of the dues to generate resources. "Curbing of power theft and reformation of different departments, which are a burden on economy can help save national resources. It is time to take tough decisions for the development and progress of the country, otherwise no friend or well-wisher would pay heed to our requests nor anyone will trust us if the governments did not set a personal example," he added.
"The Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the rehabilitation of flood affected people. Model villages are being constructed with the co-operation of philanthropists and welfare organisations. So far 1.3 billion rupees have been donated to his flood relief fund and donations are still coming in. Transparent use of every penny of the people is being ensured. Friendly countries have helped in this testing time, especially Saudi Arab, Turkey and US have actively taken part in the relief and rehabilitation of the flood affectees and donated generously. Rehabilitation of flood affectees is a difficult and lengthy process but this task will be accomplished," he added.
It may be recalled that in addition to donations of Rs 65 million, philanthropists and representatives of welfare organisations announced to build 3320 houses, 13 dispensaries and seven schools in the flood-hit areas. Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Director General Khalid Sher Dil gave a detailed briefing regarding flood losses, relief activities and construction of model villages.
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