SHINKIARI, March 20: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli said on Monday that the government was committed to rehabilitating the people affected by the Oct 8 earthquake.

“The government has mobilized all its resources for the relief of quake affected people and will continue to strive till the complete rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected people and areas,” she added.

Ms Zeb was speaking at a ceremony marking the closure of the Sialkot Siran Tent City in Tehsil Mansehra, and to bid farewell to some 212 affected families and recognise the services of various local and foreign organizations, army personnel, NGOs, volunteers and individuals in relief and rehabilitation work.

Begum Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao also attended the ceremony, in which children of the Sialkot Siran Tent City presented National songs, poems and tableau shows, depicting the courage and hope of quake affected people and families.

The minister of state recalled the tragic happenings of October 8 earthquake and said the government with the help of the nation and the support of friendly countries had successfully faced the challenge of relief and rescue and provided shelter to quake affected people in cold and chilly weather.

She lauded the untiring efforts of the Pakistan Army personnel, local and foreign NGOs, civil society organisations and individuals for the relief and rehabilitation of quake-affected people.

Ms Zeb said, the earthquake galvanized the whole nation and the people from across the country and even from abroad came forward with the spirit of humanity and volunteerism to help the quake-affected people.

She said, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had already announced a 12-point strategy for the reconstruction process of quake- affected areas, which was to be started from April.

The minister said most of the reconstruction work would be completed before the start of next winter.

She also announced Rs1,000 each for the children who presented songs, poems etc. and said women of the Sialkot Siran Tent City would be provided sewing machines. She called upon the women to work along with their men for socio-economic betterment of their families. The minister urged the women to get education and said the government gave special importance to women development and education.

Brig Abdul Aziz Tariq in his brief remarks on the occasion appreciated the NGOs, local people and philanthropists, who helped the army personnel of the 14 Para Brigade in relief and rehabilitation of quake-affected people in Tehsil Mansehra. He also hailed the quake affected people for their courage and fortitude in this hour of trial.

Earlier, Mufti Ghulam Mustafa, a local volunteer in his welcome remarks lauded the services of army personnel of the 14 Para Brigade and said the people of this area would never forget them for their love and affection shown during the quake relief activities.

Later, Anisa Zeb and Begum Sherpao gave certificates, shields and souvenirs to army personnel, representatives of various local and foreign NGOs, volunteers and individuals in recognition of their services for earthquake-affected people of Tehsil Mansehra and Siran Valley.—APP