0
KARACHI, Oct 18: Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad has said that relief goods amounting to Rs2.5 billion have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas from the province with major contributions from Karachi.
He was talking to newsmen after receiving a cheque of Rs10.971 million from Sindh Local Government Adviser Wasim Akhtar contributed by the employees of the local government department from their salaries for the relief and rehabilitation of quake victims.
Referring to the statistics given by the provincial relief commissioner, the governor said that the goods worth Rs2.5 billion had been forwarded to the victims through 32 air trips, eight trains, a number of trucks, and by private vehicles of numerous volunteers. Besides, he said, as many as 40 rescue teams and 30 teams of medical experts from Karachi alone had gone to the northern parts of the country and Azad Kashmir to participate in the relief work.
He also appreciated the city district government’s announcement of Rs20 million contribution made by the newly elected Karachi Nazim Mustafa Kamal for the President’s Relief Fund.
He lauded the efforts of citizens, who are demonstrating unshakable commitment by making generous contributions both in cash and relief goods for the disaster-stricken people. He also appreciated the active and collective role being played by social, welfare and various other public and private organizations in this regard.
Praising the dauntless courage of the armed forces, the governor said despite unfavourable climatic conditions the army personnel were continuing the rescue and relief operations in the remote and hazardous areas of the country.
“With this fervour and passion being exhibited by the people from all segments of society, I am sure we will emerge successful in this test,” the governor said.
Regarding adoption of destitute children and orphans from the affected areas, Ishratul Ibad said that the prime minister had already announced the policy in this regard. However, he said that anyone, acting on his own will, wanted to adopt any such child must consult and inform the government.
About the disaster management task force, he said that it had already been formed and its first meeting was scheduled to be held on Wednesday. He said a comprehensive strategy would be made by the task force in the light of research conducted by various organizations of repute to successfully meet the emergency situation in case of any natural calamity.
Dr Ibad further said that President Musharraf had also constituted an authority which would undertake reconstruction of the ruined areas after making an estimate of the loss.
POLICE TEAM: Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui has said that a 100-member team of Sindh police officers and staff is being dispatched to the quake-hit areas for carrying out rescue and relief work besides ensuring law and order.
The home minister said that Sindh Police and Rangers sent goods measuring 540 tons and 1000 tons respectively after collecting the same from various parts of the province, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Larkana and Sukkur.
Rauf Siddiqui said that he had discussed the issue of rising freight charges with the transporters and received a favourable response from them.
“I have also directed all TPOs and SHOs of Sindh to discuss the issue with the transporters and ensure maintenance of reasonable and stable freight charges,” he added.
POPULATION DEPTT: Sindh Population Welfare Department has supplied three trucks loaded with 447 cartons of emergency and general medicines worth Rs500,000 and 514 blankets worth Rs216,000 to Provincial Relief Commissioner for onward transportation to earthquake victims.
In addition, two mobile operation theatre vans along with lady doctors and one male doctor and paramedics have also been deputed for relief operation in earthquake affected areas of Azad Kashmir and the NWFP, a handout stated on Tuesday.
TRINITY CHURCH: Trinity Cathedral Church on Tuesday handed over Rs540,000 cheque and five truckloads of relief goods to the Sindh Minister for Labour, Transport, Industries & Commerce, Muhammad Adil Siddiqui, for earthquake victims. The goods would be delivered to quake-ravaged areas of Azad Kashmir and the NWFP through Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation.
Bishop Sadiq Daniel said the good were being sent through MQM because of its penetration in far flung areas. He said relief goods included bottled water, dry milk, flour, blankets, warm clothes and other necessary items. –APP/PPI
