Gwadar (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday unveiled a relief package worth millions of rupees for people of the rain-hit areas of Balochistan.
Talking to the media in Gwadar today, he assured the people that the federal government will not take backseat till the complete rehabilitation of the affected families.
PM Shehbaz announced Rs2 million each for the families of the deceased, Rs0.5 million for the injured, and Rs 750,000 for those whose houses were completely damaged.
He added that the government would also give Rs350,000 compensation to the families whose houses were partially damaged in the stormy rains of February 26.
“This is not a favour. This is the duty of the newly-elected government and me as the prime minister. This is neither any favour nor any show-off,” he remarked.
Shehbaz Sharif further said the process of provision of compensation amount will be completed within four days under the supervision of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti.
“From tomorrow, seven thousand food packs will be distributed on daily-basis among the rain-hit people and this will continue till all the affectees return to their homes,” the premier said.
On the occasion, Sarfaraz Bugti also announced to immediately release Rs400 million as compensation for the 83 damaged boats of the fishermen of Gwadar.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to leave no stone unturned to rescue and provide relief to the people, affected due to torrential rains and flashfloods in Gwadar.
Speaking to the affectees during his maiden visit to the area following the assumption of his office, PM Shehbaz said the federal government will utilize all available resources to help people of Gwadar and other areas of Balochistan, hit by heavy rains and floods.
The prime minister also distributed cheques and relief goods including food items, blankets, water coolers and others among the affected people.
Interacting with the victims, he said, “You are our brothers and sisters. I am here to assure you that the government will not leave you alone. We are with you. How could I sit in Islamabad when you are homeless.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and parliamentarians including Jam Kamal Khan and Atta Tarar accompanied the premier on the occasion.
The prime minister was also given a detailed briefing on the occasion. He was told that five people were killed in the rain-related incidents across Balochistan.
The prime minister was briefed that water was receding and the situation in the cities was improving.
It was told that water filtration plants had been set up and medicines have been available for the homeless people.
PM Shehbaz lauded Sarfaraz Bugti for his efforts as he rushed to the affected areas soon after his oath and supervised the relief and rescue operations.
He also appreciated the personnel of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Coastal Guards, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for their efforts and recommended the Balochistan chief minister to award them medals and commendation certificates.