Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Babar Awan has said that government is not targeting the media and the judiciary, rather some elements were involved in media trial of President Asif Ali Zardari. Addressing the flood-affectees and talking to media persons on the occasion of distribution of relief goods near Trimmu Headworks on Monday, he said, "rulers of 'takht-e-Lahore' should make assessment of losses by coming out of their palatial houses."
The minister said, "Assessing losses by sitting in palaces is one thing and coming to affectees to know about their sufferings and losses to provide them relief is another." He said Punjab government had neither sent relief goods, nor its representative had visited the area so far. He said he, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the President, had brought token relief comprising medicines, clothes and eatables for the affectees of Jhang. More relief goods would be sent for flood-stricken people of the area, he added.
Dr Awan said takht-e-Lahore should not make assessment of losses by sitting in their houses as their estimates of Rs 25 billion were not correct, adding, "they should bring sasti roti and langar khane for the affectees." He further said Punjab government is demanding assistance from the federal government for providing relief to the affectees, it should let the masses know where Rs 480 billion of the budget, and Rs 95 billion provided by federal government under NFC Award, had gone. He said the PPP strongly believes in freedom of media, and some other elements are talking of curbs on the media, adding everybody is aware of the conspiracy of hurling shoes at the President. He said the federal government would not sit idle till rehabilitation of flood affectees, adding that all available resources would be utilised for them.