Oct 29 , 2015
News
Govt unveils compensation package for quake victims
* Nawaz announces Rs 600,000 for the dead, Rs 100,000 for injured and Rs 200,000 for those who lost a limb * Govt will pay Rs 200,000 for destroyed houses and Rs 100,000 for the partially damaged ones
APPPESHAWAR: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday announced a compensation package for the people of earthquake affected areas of Khyber Pakhthunkhwa, FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan that would be handed over to the affected people in the shortest possible time.
Addressing a press conference following a briefing at the Governor’s House in Peshawar, the prime minister was appreciative of the rescue, relief and rehabilitation work being carried out by the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Army and the civil administration.
The prime minister said the federal government in close consultation with the provincial government agreed on the compensation package, with both the sides to have a share of 50 per cent.
To a question, he said the federal and provincial governments were working in close coordination, while rising above the political affiliations or any differences.
“The days of division on party basis are over. Now we all stand united at this critical juncture and are working selflessly to serve the masses, who are facing a difficult time.”
He said all steps would be taken to ensure that the real victims get the compensation amount that would be verified by a three-member committee, comprising representatives of the administration, local representative and one from the Pakistan army.
He said the verification process will take four days and cheques would be distributed from Monday, Nov 2, and completed in all areas by Thursday.
He said the compensation would be paid to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured and the loss of property in the earthquake.
The prime minister announced Rs 600,000 for the dead, Rs 100,000 for injured, and Rs 200,000for those who lost a limb. He said the compensation amount was very little as compared to their pain and grief, but said it was an effort on part of the government to assist them in their hour of need.
He said the government would pay an amount of Rs 200,000 for houses that have been fully destroyed and Rs 100,000 for partially damaged houses.
He said according to the initial information, so far 208 deaths have been reported from KP, while 29 from FATA, while around 1,000 were injured. He said while reporting the number of dead, it was important that correct, official figures were reported so that there was no confusion.
To a question, he said the federal government would pay the entire compensation amount for victims in FATA, and if the provincial government wishes it can make its contribution.
The prime minister said relief and rehabilitation work was picking pace, following the search and rescue phase. He said he was in constant touch with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Despite the inaccessible location of affected areas and distances involved, efforts were being made to reach out to the people, he added.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk