People standing on the containers have caused a loss to the country: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the second phase of distribution of financial assistance among the flood affectees has been started in 16 affected districts of the province and a huge sum of Rs.16 billion is being given to the calamity-hit people under Khadim-e-Punjab Relief Package. He said that distribution of financial assistance among the flood-hit people with a short period of only one month is a revolutionary step of Punjab government. He said that in the second phase, compensation is being given for the losses of houses and crops.

He was addressing a function with regard to the second phase of distribution of financial assistance to the flood-hit people in Wanke Tarrar, Hafizabad today. Minister of State Sahira Afzal Tarrar, Provincial Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Members of National and Provincial Assembly, Commissioner Gujranwala Division, District Coordination Officer Hafizabad and a large number of flood-affectees were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that a total sum of Rs.80 thousand is being given for a totally damaged house while Rs.40 thousand for partially damaged house. He said that Punjab government has already given the first installment of Rs.25 thousand per family for compensating damage to houses was given before Eid and a huge sum of Rs.2 billion was spent for this purpose. He said that in the second phase, compensation for damage to crops at the rate of Rs.10 thousand per acre is being given to the cultivators who have up to 12.5 acre of land. Similarly, he said, financial assistance of Rs.10 thousand per family is being provided to the flood affectees who have lost their livelihood. Shahbaz Sharif said that it is for the first time in the country’s history that such a big amount has been distributed in such a short period to the calamity-hit people and this credit goes to Punjab government and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for not leaving the flood-hit people alone in the hour of trial.

The Chief Minister said that the promise made by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Khadim-e-Punjab with the flood affectees has been fulfilled and no lie has been told like those standing on the containers. He said that while some elements standing on the containers had been causing loss to the country, the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-N kept serving its marooned brethren and sisters and extended maximum help to them. He said that the elements engaged in sit-ins have proved the enmity to the country by getting the visit of Chinese president postponed and they will never be forgiven by the nation. He said that had the PML-N leadership been involved in rigging it would not served the flood affectees round the clock.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Chinese President, Prime Minister and other leaders expressed full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to China and extended him a warm welcome. He said that the Chinese President was to visit Pakistan but due to anti Pakistani attitude of the elements staging sit-ins, he did not come due to which the projects of power generations were delayed. But, he said, agreements for energy projects of billions of dollars have been signed in Beijing and China has again offered its support to Pakistan. He said that Chinese President will come to Pakistan at an appropriate time.

Addressing flood affectees, Shahbaz Sharif said that they should never forgive those staging sit-ins, upon which, the participants of the function raised their hands in support of the Chief Minister. He said that every moment of nation is precious and the nation will take revenge from the elements staging sit-ins for the delay caused to the power projects. He said that Imran Khan can live in his palace spread over 100 of acres of Bani Gala while the elites in their bungalows but what will happen the poor masses without electricity. He said that Imran Khan has caused irreparable damage to Pakistan only because of his stubbornness. He said that Imran Khan is merely leveling allegation of rigging and has no proof. He said that Imran Khan should remember that those involved in rigging do not serve the people day and night.

The Chief Minister further said that while the people were drowning Imran Khan was busy in musical shows and paid no attention to the distressed people. He said that if those staging sit-ins caused any hurdle in the implementation of the agreements signed with China, they will be dealt with iron hand by the masses. He said it is only through national unity that the designs of protesting elements will be foiled and the nation should come forward for this purpose. Shahbaz Sharif said that the war against elimination of poverty and unemployment will continue under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said that the power projects will be implemented and the destiny of the common man will be changed. He expressed determination that the revolution of progress and prosperity will be brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

The Chief Minister further said that financial assistance of Rs.61 crore is being given to 10572 flood affectees in district Hafizabad and in the process of rehabilitation of flood-hit people will be continued till the last calamity-stricken person is rehabilitated. He said that a transparent system has been evolved for the distribution of financial assistance. He said that special committees have also been established in the affected districts for resolving the grievances of flood-hit people and these committees comprise retired judges, government servants and notables of the areas having good repute.

Shahbaz Sharif said that flood-hit persons can contact these committees in case of any complaint. He said that a survey of losses has been conducted through satellite, information technology and other sources and Patwaris have been excluded from this process. He said that people will soon be rid of Patwari culture. He said that the losses of flood affectees will be compensated and no affected family will remain deprived of financial assistance.

The Chief Minister also visited payment center at Wanke Tarrar and reviewed the arrangements. He also appreciated the staff for making excellent arrangements. He also inquired from the staff about the method of provision of financial assistance. He also talked to the flood affectees and sought their views who expressed their satisfaction. Minister for State Saira Afzal Tarrar while addressing the ceremony said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif believes in serving the humanity and it is his seventh visit to Hafizabad. She said that the way Shahbaz Sharif served the flood affectees is unprecedented. She thanked the Chief Minister for visiting Hafizabad for the payment of financial assistance to the flood-hit people in the second phase.