Punjab sends relief package for quake affectees

LAHORE - The Punjab government has provided 1,958 food hampers, 1,800 bags of 10 kg atta, 2.5 truckload medicines, 360 blankets, 5,000 mosquito nets and 10,150 tents so far for the relief of earthquake affectees of Balochistan, said an official handout on Sunday.
It further stated that on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, a delegation of assembly members and senior officers has reached Karachi to review the requirements of the calamity-hit people.
The delegation includes Member Provincial Assembly Asif Mazari, Member Board of Revenue Shumail Khawaja, DG Punjab Disaster Management Authority Capt. Asif. The delegation reviewed relief activities of relief centres set up in Hub, the border area of Balochistan and also met Secretary Excise Qambar Hashti who has been appointed Chief Coordinator by Balochistan government. The delegation also considered a comprehensive plan for the early rehabilitation of the earthquake-hit people.
Member Board of Revenue Shumail Khawaja also contacted Chief Secretary Balochistan Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad on telephone and discussed various matters regarding expediting relief and rehabilitation activities for the calamity-hit people.
Shumail Khawaja assured Chief Secretary that Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is anxious for the rehabilitation of calamity-hit people and the people and government of Punjab would spare no effort for the help of Balochi brethren in this hour of distress. He said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, DG PDMA will stay in the earthquake affected area of Balochistan till the situation improves.
According to the delegation, the Chief Minister Punjab is being informed about the measures for relief and rehabilitation of the earthquake victims on daily basis and the requirements will be fulfilled immediately. It may be mentioned that Punjab Chief Minister has allocated his helicopter for relief activities of earthquake-hit people.