LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that help and assistance to the persons displaced due to war against terrorism in North Waziristan is a national and religious obligation.
Addressing a meeting on Wednesday, the chief minister said that the Punjab government had completed the process of distribution of cash assistance among more than 28000 displaced families and a transparent system has been evolved for this purpose.
People from all walks of life called on the chief minister and presented cheques worth 80 million rupees for Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for IDPs.
Okara Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave a cheque for Rs5.6m, Anjuman-e-Tajraan Okara Rs4.2m and MNA Asfandyar M Bhindara donated Rs1m.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that all out help will be provided to the distressed people of North Waziristan. He also appreciated the spirit of those who were helping IDPs. He said that a modern hospital would be constructed in the affected area after conclusion of the war against terrorism and restoration of peace.
Shahbaz assured that every penny of the public donations to the Relief Fund was being spent in a highly transparent manner.
The CM further said that his government was also distributing cash money among displaced families so that they could purchase necessary items to meet their needs.
He directed that the process of provision of financial assistance to all affected families be completed within next three days at any cost. He also directed that fundraising campaign for the IDPs to be pursued vigorously.
He said that the process of distribution of cash amounts among displaced families be verified through information technology.
“Punjab government has also chalked out a programme to share Eid joys with the displaced persons of North Waziristan and Eid gifts will also be distributed among the affectees,” he added.
Sharif said that every penny of the funds deposited in the Relief Fund would be spent on IDPs. He said that overseas Pakistanis could be helpful in fundraising for IDPs and they should also be contacted for providing relief to the displaced persons.
Shahbaz stated that the Punjab government would not leave displaced persons of North Waziristan alone in the hour of need.