August 10, 2007	Friday	Rajab 25, 1428

QUETTA, Aug 9: National Party president Dr Hayee Baloch has urged the federal government to immediately convene an international donors’ conference to raise funds for the rehabilitation of cyclone and flood-hit people in Balochistan.

Taking to newsmen here on Wednesday, he said the destruction caused by the flood and cyclone in 22 districts of the province was by no means less than the devastation caused by the earthquake in Azad Kashmir in 2005.

He said that the problems faced by people could not be resolved by distributing a few kilogram of flour, ghee and some other relief goods.

Dr Hayee criticised the government for stopping NGOs and other organisations from launching relief work in the affected areas.

He said that the government had also not allowed NGOs to help internally displaced persons of Dera Bugti and Kohlu.

He said that flood and cyclone affected-people were waiting for relief as they were living under the scorching sun and had not been provided tents and shelter.

He said that the people were also exposed to various diseases, but the government was not paying attention to provide them proper health facilities.

He claimed that in some areas the government was forcing the affected people to join the PML-Q for getting relief goods and funds.

He demanded that the government should change its attitude towards the people of Balochistan and take steps for their early rehabilitation.