02 August 2004	Monday	15 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

RAWALPINDI, Aug 1: Punjab government on Sunday announced a compensation package for the victims of Fatehjang suicide bombing in which eight people were killed and about 70 injured.

Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi announced the package during his visit to the twin cities' hospitals to inquire about the wellbeing of those injured in the incident. According to the package, heirs of all those killed in the incident would get Rs0.5 million compensation.

Besides, government job would be given to the eldest son of each deceased. The injured would get Rs100,000 each while their eldest sons would also be offered government services.

The chief minister directed the hospitals to provide free and best possible treatment to all the injured. About the bombing incident, he ruled out any security lapse and said all possible measures had been taken.

Mr Elahi said the government would further make improvement in the security arrangements wherever required. Speaking about the arrest of Al Qaeda terrorists in Gujrat, he said the government was planning to reward the policemen who took part in the action.

He said suicide bombings were a global phenomenon and even the most developed countries failed to check them. In another move, the Punjab government on Sunday made it mandatory for all building owners to provide information about their lessees to the police station concerned, if they were foreigners.

Acting Inspector General Punjab Police Azhar Hassan Nadeem talking to reporters here said the owners of the buildings would have to provide all information about their foreign lessees to the police, so that the police remain aware of their presence.

Similarly, he said, while renting out buildings to the locals, it would be necessary that the owner kept a record of the lessee and his identity. He said these measures had been taken for the protection of life and property of the citizens.

"These regulations would help us ensure that the rented buildings are not used for any subversive activities," he added. In case of any violation of these rules, he warned, the owner of the building concerned would be held responsible in case of loss of human life or damage to the property.