Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid and former Prime Minister on Monday said that 'Doors of Punjab are open for Swat affectees extending help to Swat affectees is our national obligation and the affectees can settle in Punjab happily, if they desire to do so.
He stated this while chairing a meeting on establishment of a set-up for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Punjab at his Raiwind residence on Monday. Among others Chief Minister Punjab and President PML-N Shahbaz Sharif, Zulfiqar Khosa, Senator Ishaq Dar, Senator Pervez Rasheed, Sheikh Aftab and Colonel Shuja Khanzada (Retd) attended the meeting.
Nawaz said that Swat affectees have full right like other Pakistanis and they could move freely anywhere in the country and it is our national obligation to help them in the hour of need.
"Restricting the affectees to enter in a particular province is violation of basic fundamental rights", sources in the PML-N told Business Recorder while quoting Nawaz as having said during the meeting. 'Every Pakistani has equal right over Pakistan and it is national responsibility of all Pakistanis living in any area to play host to the displaced persons of Swat', he said.
The PML-N Quaid further said that the PML-N and Punjab government would continue relief activities till rehabilitation of Swat affectees. Addressing the meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the Punjab government has evolved a comprehensive strategy for the rehabilitation of Swat affectees. He said affectees of Swat are our brethren and no effort will be spared in looking after or extending relief to them.
He said that we should help the displaced persons in such a manner that our conduct should revive the memories of the spirit of Ansar-e-Madina. Shahbaz said that free wheat flour is being provided to Swat affectees in relief camps while 4000 fans worth Rs 10 million are being supplied to relief camps. He added that 5,000 tons atta had already been supplied while 28,000 bags are being dispatched on Wednesday at relief camps for distribution among affectees.