MANSEHRA: The residents have demanded the early release of compensation for their houses damaged or destroyed by the 2015 earthquake.

They said the compensation funds had been withheld by the district administration.

“Despite the release of Rs90 million by the government to the district administration in Aug 2019, we have still not been paid compensation,” Mohammad Nawaz told reporters here on Tuesday.

Accompanied by a group of earthquake victims, Mr Nawaz said Rs200,000 was to be paid for every destroyed house and Rs100,000 for the one damaged partially.

Resident Mohammad Qaisar said the matter was taken up with the provincial disaster management authority, while the assistant director (relief) asked the deputy commissioner to issue compensation cheques to the families, which completed legal formalities, but to no avail.

Another resident, Mohammad Rafique, said the residents of Safada, Perhana and other village and neighbourhood councils awaited compensation. He urged the deputy commissioner to ensure the early payment of compensation.

REPATRIATION: The Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees has clarified that forced repatriation of Afghan refugees is not its policy as it believes in the voluntary return of refugees.In a statement issued here, the commissionerate said it was committed to the voluntary and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees as envisaged and agreed in the tripartite agreement to which Pakistan was a signatory.

It added that Pakistan had proudly hosted millions of afghan refugees for more than 40 years but had never repatriated any refugee by force or against their will.

“Pakistan strongly believes in a voluntary and dignified repatriation process of Afghan refugees back to their homeland,” he said.SURVEY: The administration on Tuesday began a survey of damages caused by strong winds, heavy rain and hailstorm in the district.

Additional deputy commissioner Muqbool Hussain led the revenue department’s survey teams to the affected areas, where the residents informed them about damages.

“A comprehensive survey report will be dispatched to the government for necessary action,” he said.

ROBBERS HELD: The Garhi Habibullah police have arrested three robbers and seized over Rs800,000 stolen goods.

Deputy superintendent of police, Balakot, Gulzar Khan told reporters that the robbers, who were part of a gang, included Mohammad Waqas, Mohammad Shafqat and Mussadaq Ali.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2020