Nawabzada Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Vice President of ARD and Chief of Pakistan Democratic Party on Wednesday expressed the fear that the government's "ill-conceived" rehabilitation effort might end up in wasting resources without enabling the victims to stand on their own feet once again.
Talking to newsmen here Nawabzada said "The lingering effect of this error can jeopardise the already fragile social equilibrium and impede economic growth for years to come. Though it is not the time to talk about politics, but I must say that relief effort began a little late because of administration's inability which failed to grasp the magnitude of the calamity that has wiped out almost a generation in earthquake-hit areas, especially in Azad Kashmir."
He said the way help had poured in, especially from foreign governments and international aid agencies, it appeared that the government has enough resources. "It has to ensure fair and transparent utilisation of such aid till the quake victims are fully rehabilitated," he said.
The ARD leader emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy, first to build houses for shelter less people and then create jobs in these poor areas. "It will help family heads and they would not go out to work in far-flung cities in Punjab, and Sindh."
Replying to a question, he said opposition leaders Benazir Bhutto, Mian Nawaz Sharif has send relief goods for the quake victims. Besides, setting up relief camps throughout the country for collecting relief goods, the opposition is also ready to take care of the children who have no guardians," he said.