BAHAWALPUR: A group of protesters shouted slogans of “Go Nawaz Go” on the first day of distribution of compensation to flood-hit families in Uch Sharif, about 70km from here.

A ceremony was organised by the district administration at Government Boys High School, Uch Sharif, where flood victims were presented cheques for Rs25,000 per family.

During the ceremony, some people who claimed to be affected by floods were refused compensation. They protested and attempted to disturb the ceremony and raised slogans against the government. They claimed “favourites” were being given away compensation while “real affectees” were being ignored.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Imran Sikandar Baloch, CM’s monitoring team head Muhammad Khan Khichi, MNA Ali Hasan Gilani, MPAs Qazi Adnan Farid and Fazia Ayub Qureshi tried to pacify the protesters and told them they did not qualify for the compensation amount and were not entitled.

The protesters left the venue, raised slogans, burnt tyres and blocked the road.

According to a handout, in the first phase on the opening day, compensation amount was given to 103 affectees who were attested by officials of the National Bank and the National Database and Regulatory Authority. A complaint cell for those claiming to be flood victims was set up at the school.

The payment of compensation would continue on Thursday (today).

Published in Dawn, October 2nd , 2014