LAHORE, Nov 2: The Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) will now focus on building shelter homes for homeless quake victims. This was stated by Punjab PTI president Admiral Javed Iqbal (retired) at a press conference here on Wednesday. Women wing president Saloni Bokhari, information secretary Omar Sarfraz Cheema and others were also present.

He said as tents would prove ineffective in the extremely cold weather in the quake hit districts, the PTI had decided to build shelter homes in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Balakot and Mansehra.

He regretted that the government did not exempt building material needed for the homes from taxation, increasing their cost by 35 per cent.

The party had already provided 2,000 tents, 5,000 blankets, and eatables worth millions of rupees to the victims.

He lamented that parliament was not taken into confidence while taking major decisions like allowing Nato forces to step in sensitive areas of Azad Kashmir and opening the Line of Control.

“Facing a disaster does not mean ignoring security requirements,” said the retired admiral.

He reiterated the party’s demand that a joint committee comprising treasury and opposition MPs should be formed to ensure transparency in utilization of relief funds.

He regretted to point out that the government instead of facilitating those who were helping it out in the huge quake disaster, was removing banners of donation collection centres set up by the opposition parties.

“We have to hang out banners at our Zafar Ali Road centre almost on daily basis when the earlier one is removed by the government functionaries.”

On a question about attending the APC, Mr Iqbal said the PTI would never attend the conference with Gen Musharraf in the chair because they did not accept him as lawful head of the state.

He said party chairman Imran Khan has appealed to the masses to celebrate Eid with simplicity and donate the money so saved to the relief fund.