Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi addressing a press conference after arrival from his foreign tour here on Friday said that provincial government had given an aid of Rs one billion for tremor affected since eruption of earthquake 12 days ago.
The Chief elaborating on aid efforts by provincial government said that Rs 200 million in cash, Rs 240 million worth of food items, Rs 230 million blankets, Rs 165 million worth of tents, Rs 100 million medicines had been so far donated to the cause of earthquake relief.
Pervaiz Elahi said that immediately after tremor, helicopters of Punjab Government were sent for aid operations in northern areas where they were instrumental in carrying 250 injured to hospitals. These helicopters were also used for other relief operations, he added.
Talking particularly of medical operations undertaken by provincial government, he said 91 operation theatres in tremor affected areas were established. Provincial health services had provided 28 ambulances and had arranged for 13,000 beds for injured in provincial hospitals.
A total of 7,000 injured in earthquake have already been treated in these hospitals. Currently 1421 injured are under treatment in Punjab Hospitals. Provincial government was also taking care of 6,000 relatives of theirs. 'Punjab Government 40 teams comprising of 240 persons are involved in medical operations currently', he added.
Punjab Chief Minister said two tent cities, one at Chakwal and other at Fateh Jang were being established by Punjab Government. He said if asked by federal government more tent cities would be established. The Chief Minister vowed that Punjab being elder brother will leave no stone unturned for the cause of its affected brothers.
Pervaiz appreciating the role of armed forces in relief operations said it was exemplary. Replying to question about displaced children, he said arrangement has been made in Child Protection Bureau for them. 'We will formulate a joint strategy with other provinces regarding them', he said.
He said that 640 police has been sent to Azad Kashmir for maintaining traffic. Talking about Muslim League efforts in earthquake relief, he said 210 aid trucks have been sent by it. The CM appealed for generous and whole-hearted contribution to President's Relief Fund in the press meeting.
Punjab Chief Minister later visited services hospital and inquired after the health of earthquake victims of Balakot, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Mansehra and Bagh areas. He announced Rs 10,000 financial assistance to each patient on the occasion.
In a meeting on the day Chief Minister Punjab gave instructions to give smooth play for private sector in the earthquake relief efforts.