The government and PML-N on Saturday, putting differences aside, joined hands for setting up a 'transparent commission/board' comprising 'credible people' to generate funds for rehabilitation of flood victims, from within the country prior to seeking donors' assistance, after lukewarm response by international community and the nation at large.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif held a meeting on the sombrely observed '64th Independence Day' at the PM House and announced to work hand in hand for combating the history's unprecedented floods. Former Judges Rana Bhagwandas, Fakharuddin G Ibrahim and Nasir Aslam Zahid are among those being considered for the proposed 'commission/board' which would be formed in a few days.
Addressing a joint press briefing after the meeting, the PM announced setting up of a 'transparent commission/board' comprising people of honour and repute, so that no one could dispute their credibility. 'Transparency and credibility' were the words repeated at times during the joint press conference by the two leaders. The Prime Minister and Nawaz Sharif too ensured their sincerity to flood victims in pain and agony as well as people at large.
It is pertinent to mention that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab had raised their voice against the federation for inequitable distribution of resources a few days ago. Describing the initial procedure of fund raising for the 'commission/board', the PM said it would have an account, and the federation will deposit its share in the account, to be followed by the provinces. Afterwards, people would be asked for donations and then assistance from the international community would be sought.
The 'commission' would raise funds, assess the damage from flood after conducting detailed surveys and would disburse the pooled resources/funds among the victims equitably and transparently, he said. "I am delighted to observe even school children are raising funds for the flood victims," said Prime Minster Yousuf Raza Gilani adding, that "we as a nation have the spirit and strength to turn around our economy on our own".
Nawaz gave a vote of thanks to the Prime Minster for a positive response towards his proposal of independent and transparent commission/board. "I will go with the Prime Minister and he will come with me to raise funds for flood victims," he said, adding that "it is a sin to score points or go for gaining political mileage at this juncture."
Though the PML-N chief praised the Prime Minister for his response, Nawaz Sharif's reaction to a question regarding his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari was not astonishing as he spoke of his mind, but in a light mood. "Do not try to sabotage this process; let it move forward" was the prompt response from Nawaz when asked whether he would hold a meeting on similar lines with President Zardari.
Nawaz said that this is a huge calamity which has not stopped yet, and a number of people are still stranded in the floodwater. "These are testing times for the entire nation", he said while advocating for the need of national unity to cope with natural disaster which left millions homeless.
"Federation and provincial governments will adopt austerity measures and will cut expenditures to have maximum contribution for the commission/board," said Nawaz Sharif. He said that it was a testing time for the government as well for the nation. "We have agreed to forget our politics, differences between the government and opposition. We are all united at this stage," he added.
The PML-N chief told the media that the PM in his presence had a telephonic conversation with Asfand Yar Wali and leadership of MQM over the subject. His reaction regarding President's visit to Russia was, "Let's not discuss politics here".
When asked whether the government had any plan to withdraw recent salary raise for the public servants in line with its austerity plans, the Prime Minister said that decisions already taken would not be withdrawn. Regarding cutting the number of federal ministers, he said that in line with the 18th Constitutional Amendment the number had to be trimmed down.
"I have discussed plans for reduction in expenditures with the finance minister and have frozen all foreign trips, except those which are inevitable," the PM added. Gilani said that solidarity demonstrated by the two major political parties would send a positive message to the people and the international community.
About Punjab Chief Minister's statement that the federal government was not releasing funds for the province, he said that provinces should not have apprehension, and added that the loss incurred by the provinces has not been assessed yet. "We are engaged in rescue operation at this juncture and once it is completed and a mechanism is established provinces would be given their due share," he added.
He said that the UN chief, Ban ki Moon, and the world community have the realisation of the problem Pakistan is grappling with and want to help but government's priority would be to manage the problem at its own instead of waiting for help from abroad. However, he said, "we would welcome the international assistance in this regard as well".