PESHAWAR, Nov 1: NWFP Minister for Zakat, Ushr and Social Welfare, Hafiz Hashmat called on NWFP Governor Khalil-ur-Rehman on Tuesday and discussed with him problems and difficulties being faced by people because of destruction of Machni bridge.

They expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic boat incident, which claimed lives of school-children.

The minister also briefed the governor about afforts being made to recover bodies of the missing students.

The governor assured the minster of his full cooperation in this regard and said that he would talk to some other relevant quarters to seek their help in the search operation.

Regarding the Machni bridge, the governor said that soon after it had been washed away by the heavy flood, he contacted the federal government to construct an alternate bridge over the river on emergency basis.

Similarly, the provincial government had also taken action to address problem of people leving in adjoining areas.

The governor said that immediate and concrete steps were required to mitigate the suffering of the common people by providing at least a secure ferry service.

He assured his full cooperation in this regard.—APP