Quake-hit areas to get free power in Pakistan
Pakistan Times National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The government Friday announced three-month free electricity provision to the earthquake hit population whereas the opposition MNAs brought the regime and military under criticism for delaying initiation of rescue and relief operations in affected areas.

PML-N member Tehmina Daultana, appreciated by other opposition members, questioned the justification of keeping about six lakh army in the country when it cannot launch immediate operations at the time of calamities in the country.

The House suspending its routine work also passed a unanimous resolution, moved by MNA Kashmala Tariq, establishing National Assembly’s relief fund in which the members will donate their one-month salary.

The resolution also called for constitution of a committee comprising treasury and opposition members to ensure just distribution of funds and the relief items amongst the victims of the earthquake-hit areas.

“The people of earthquake-hit areas have been exempted from electricity bills for next three months and others in close areas will also be given relaxation while paying the bills,” Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi announced in the House.

The electricity at Balakot, Mansehra, Bagh and Neelum Valley has been restored despite many of WAPDA officials died in the catastrophe, he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Communication Abdul Qadir Khanzada told the National Assembly that communication links have been restored in the earthquake-hit areas.

Earlier, taking part in the debate, Tehmina Daultana said she along with other party members visited Muzzafarabad and its nearby areas but found no army personnel helping the people. “Where the army persons went from Abbottabad shortly after the quake. They must have extended rescue help to the people.”

“The authorities at Kakul Academy sent the cadets and the armymen on leaves instead of helping the people in trouble areas,” Tehmina claimed. “About 70 per cent funds are being spent on army but nothing is being done as we have witnessed in the quake-hit areas.”

The PML-N MNA called for setting up of a committee comprising opposition and treasury MNAs to have a permanent check on utilization of foreign and domestic donations being collection in the president and prime minister’s funds. “There is lack of coordination between agencies.”

“The government has completely failed in crisis management and providing relief to the quake-hit areas of the country,” PTI Chairman Imran Khan said while talking part in the debate.

“The public needs leadership to meet challenges. A complete analysis should be arranged to determine as to why the government failed in launching a prompt action to rescue the people,” he further said.

PPP-P Murtaza Sati said according to AJK ministers, half of 9 lakh population of Muzzafarabad died in the earthquake. Sardar Yaqoob, the AJK Deputy Speaker, said there are still many areas where the relief teams have not yet reached.

Sher Akbar Khan, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Chaudhry Nisar, Wasi Zafar, and many other MNAs also spoke on the earthquake situation in the National Assembly that was adjourned to meet again today morning.●