August 20, 2003	Wednesday	Jumadi-us-Sani 21, 1424

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GILGIT, Aug 19: Around 45 of the 80 critically injured in the Giyal blast have reportedly developed disabilities, despite regular treatment given to them at the DHQ hospitals of Gilgit and Chilas, informed sources said.

Hospitals sources said the burn injuries and bone fractures sustained by over 45 persons mainly men in the explosive-induced blast were too severe to treat as in some cases the body parts were blown up which could not be traced in the rubble.

The disabled had lost their eyes, limbs and legs in the explosion, they added.

Some of the injured told a media team that their fractured bones needed replacement with steel rods, which cost Rs8,000, but they could not afford the cost. “Injuries may deteriorate if the replacement is delayed,” the injured quoted duty doctors as saying.

But a member of the Northern Areas Legislative Council belonged to Darel, where the incident took place, told journalists that the injured were not getting proper treatment and attention, which might led to further casualties.

He appealed to the president and prime minister of Pakistan for visiting the affected site.

Meanwhile, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Hasan Khan has issued directives and told the officials concerned not to supply explosive sticks and related material to the contractors of the Public Works Department (PWD) without the government’s permission, the sources said.

The local administration also has asked the liquid petroleum gas (LPG) dealers and explosive depots in the town to vacate their stations immediately.