Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has assured that reconstruction activities in the quake-affected areas of Balochistan will be carried out on fast track basis. He was talking to the notables and quake victims in Awaran on Friday after attending a briefing on the ongoing relief activities.
The Prime Minister said the government has not accepted any foreign assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of quake affected areas. Federal and provincial governments will collectively provide funds for the whole purpose. He said the quake affected district of Awaran will be transformed into a model district and developed on the pattern of Islamabad and Karachi.
Announcing several new initiatives for Awaran district‚ he said that solar energy will be introduced in the district to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to the people. Similarly supply of gas will be ensured to the area. Appreciating the early rescue and relief activities of the concerned departments‚ Nawaz Sharif said rehabilitation activities including reconstruction of houses and roads will be completed in the shortest possible time after taking on board the quake victims.
Nawaz lauded the efforts of Pakistan Army in relief activities. He said that the army would stand by the government in rehabilitation process. The Prime Minister also announced compensation of Rs 0.5 million for the heirs of those died in the calamity and Rs 1.5 million for the injured.
On the occasion‚ Nawaz Sharif also made an appeal to estranged Baloch leaders and militants to enter into the national mainstream and become part of the nation building process. Earlier‚ Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the earthquake-hit area of Awaran and reviewed the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation measures being taken in the wake of the natural calamity.
The Prime Minister flew from Karachi to Balochistan's Awaran area. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan‚ Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal and Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Major General Saeed Aleem accompanied the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was briefed about the relief activities being carried out for the earthquake victims. Earlier‚ Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch received the Prime Minister on his arrival. Senator Mir Hasil Bazinjo and Sardar Sanaullah Zehri were also present on the occasion.