ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: European Union (EU) has urged Pakistan to seek approval of the parliament on establishing the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) besides determining its period of duration. A statement issued here on Saturday said that endorsement of the parliament, for Erra, is a must.

The aid, which the government is receiving, should also be approved by the parliament. A specific period be also fixed as to how long this authority would function, EU stressed.

All the ongoing rehabilitation work be devolved to the grass root level and local governments (LGs), civil institutions, provincial governments and nazims be associated with this process rather than federal institutions.

The statement noted that EU fully believed in the statement of President Pervez Musharraf that the aid coming in the country will be utilised in transparent manner and will be used for the purpose it has been received. It should also be ensured that all the houses would be built on ownership basis, statement underscored.

The EU welcomed the decision of the government on suspension of military purchases and described it a decision taken in the right direction.

A 10-point guidelines has also been evolved in the statement, which has set the tone for a mechanism on the transparent use of aid, special focus on widows and orphan children and reconstruction and rehabilitation process.—Online