A delegation of MMA Senators from Balochistan and Fata met Prime Minister Shuakat Aziz here on Saturday and appreciated the timely efforts by the government for ensuring speedy delivery of relief goods to the people affected by October 8 earthquake.
Led by Ismail Buledi, the delegation included Mateen Shah, Dr Azizullah Stakzai and Din Muhammad, Balochistan Minister for Auqaf.
The Prime Minister told the delegation that because of the earthquake many people have been left homeless, many have suffered amputations, many women widowed and many children orphaned.
He said that October 8 earthquake was a trial for the Pakistani nation and prayed to Allah Almighty that he may give each one of us the courage to bear it with solemnity. "The whole country stood up to this challenge which was a unique one in the history of Pakistan," the Prime Minister said and added, the government has geared up the relief and rehabilitation work through Erra at a rapid pace to save as many people from cold and hunger as possible. Counselling is also being given to the traumatised earthquake survivors, he added.
The legislators appreciated the timely efforts of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in ensuring the speedy delivery of relief goods to the earthquake affected areas.
Prime Minister Aziz said that despite the fact that millions of rupees are being spent on earthquake relief every day the government has given a huge amount of money to Balochistan keeping in view the needs of the province. "The government has not imposed any new tax and the development schemes under the PSDP have been allowed to continue and still we have provided Rs 2.5 billion in financial assistance to the province," he added. He said the effects of federal government's expenditure in Balochistan should reach to common man and not remain concentrated in the hands of the few privileged.
The Prime Minister appreciated the initiative of opposition Senators to meet and discuss issues pertaining to Balochistan and tribal areas.