05 November 2004	Friday	21 Ramazan 1425

KARACHI, Nov 4: About 26 out of 48 families, whose breadwinners had lost their lives in the Imambargah Ali Raza and Haideri Mosque bombings, were given compensation cheques worth Rs0.2 million each.

The Governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, presented the cheques at a ceremony held at the Sindh Governor House on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that everyone felt sad for the victims of the tragic incidents and everyone fully shared their grief.

He said Pakistan had been a target of terrorist incidents like other countries of the world, but the present government was committed to crushing terrorism so that such tragedies do not occur again.

He regretted on behalf of the Sindh government for the delay caused in payment of the compensation money.

He said the federal government too had announced compensation and "we are pursuing for payment of the same at the earliest."

Ibad said that elements who were behind all such incidents did have one or another motive, adding that in these two incidents, their motive could be to create sectarian hatred or fan sectarian clashes.

"The victims and their families deserve every appreciation for exercising utmost patience. In fact, they rendered a great sacrifice," the governor said.

He assured the victims' families that the government would address their problems and would cooperate with them, and would do everything possible.

The governor announced that the injured victims in the two bomb incidents would also be paid compensation before Eid-ul-Fitr.

He directed officials to tell hospitals not to pressurise families of the victims for payment of medical bills, and said they should directly contact government authorities.

On the occasion, the governor assured that female members of the families who had lost their breadwinners would be provided jobs, asking them to submit their applications at the governor's office.

Earlier, the District Coordination Officer (DCO), Karachi Mir Hussain Ali said that payment of compensation was made possible due to the personal efforts by the governor.

Present on the occasion were Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, Adviser to CM for Information Salahuddin Haider, Chief Secretary Aslam Sanjrani, Senator Allama Abbas Kumaili, Secretaries of Home and Information departments, DG Rangers, IG Police and other officials.

The Governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, on the occasion prayed to Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss.- APP