ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: The NWFP government has expressed its resentment at the failure of the federal government in sending it Rs1 billion financial assistance to manage the relief operation being carried out in the quake-affected areas of the province.

Speaking at a press conference here on Monday, the NWFP senior minister, Sirajul Haq, flanked by the MMA leader Liaquat Baloch said that the federal government had pledged an assistance of Rs1 billion if the NWFP chief minister, Akram Khan Durrani, attended the National Security Council (NSC) meeting.

The minister regretted that despite participation of Akram Durrani in the last week’s NSC meeting, the government had not so far released the assistance.

“The centre has so far given us just Rs550 million in the wake of the earthquake, while we need about Rs4 billion for the rehabilitation of the affected people,” he added.

Liaquat Baloch strongly criticised the sole involvement of army in the rehabilitation process and asked the government to allow the civil institutions to work shoulder to shoulder with the army in the rehabilitation process.

Referring to the address of President Gen Musharraf to the nation, Mr Baloch said his speech on the rehabilitation phase reflected the sole involvement and administration of army adding that it would lead to a conflict between army and civil administration.

Staff Reporter adds: The Pakistan Post has restored its network in temporary structures in Azad Kashmir and NWFP, a spokesman said here on Monday.

The spokesman said in areas where post office buildings had been destroyed in the earthquake, postal services were being provided by utilizing makeshift structures.

He said the post office chief for relief and rescue committee, deputy director-general Agha Anwar Gul, visited the quake-hit areas in Rawalakot and other parts of Azad Kashmir and directed the postal staff to continue with their work in temporary offices until buildings were repaired or reconstructed.