Government committed to providing relief to people: PM

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE


ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday said the resilience and steadfastness displayed by people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir after the catastrophic earthquake in 2005 was a reflection of their determination to face challenges.
He was talking to a delegation of PPP Azad Jammu and Kashmir led by PPP AJK President, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed which called on him here at the PM Secretariat this evening.
The Prime Minister said the role of People’s Party workers during the difficult post earthquake period reflected their commitment to serve the people.
He expressed the confidence that the same spirit would facilitate the cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue in accordance with their aspirations.
The Prime Minister said the present government has inherited a number of problems including food inflation and energy shortage.
He said the government is committed to providing relief to people. In this regard, he added, a 100-day austerity programme is underway for which various initiatives are being taken.
The Prime Minister said the majority of Pakistanis have voted for the democratic forces in recent general elections, which showed their confidence in development-oriented and progressive programmes for future.
President PPP AJK informed the Prime Minister that in the 2005 earthquake four districts of AJK were badly affected where nearly 50,000 people were killed whereas numerous others were injured.
He asked for special efforts to accelerate the reconstruction of the destructed areas as well as payment of compensation for all affected people those who have still not been compensated.
The delegation invited the Prime Minister to visit the earthquake affected districts to get first hand information about the difficulties of the people.
The Prime Minister said that keeping in view the difficulties of the people in some areas he has decided to monitor the reconstruction and rehabilitation work himself and would conduct meetings of the ERRA Council on monthly basis. Soon, he said, he would also undertake a visit to the AJK.
The participants apprised the Prime Minister of various issues relating to AJK, including provision of electricity, gas and construction of roads.
They informed him that Kashmiri people are appreciative of the government’s decision to lift ban on trade and students unions.
The delegation also congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming his responsibilities as the head of the coalition government.
Earlier the meeting offered Fateha for Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.