PM hopes community mobilization to jack-up relief, rehabilitation activities in quake-torn areas

ISLAMABAD: Appreciating again the spirit of unity and volunteerism demonstrated by the people of Pakistan in the post-earthquake tragic situations, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz expressed optimism that community mobilization would play matchless role in the early and fast-paced rehabilitation and reconstruction of quake affected areas.

Shaukat Aziz expressed these remarks in his separate meetings with Federal Minister for industries, production and special initiatives Jehangir Khan Tareen, chairman national rural support programme (NRSP) Shoaib Sultan and some foreign dignitaries who called on him at Prime Minister`s House on Monday.

Tareen informed Prime Minister that utility stores corporation would soon open its outlets in the quake-torn areas. He apprised Aziz that NRSP and SRS would rehabilitate one hundred thousand families with the assistance of World Bank.

Prime Minister while talking on the occasion stressed to reach out to the quake affectees to assist them in their rehabilitation.

He emphasized that Sarhad Rural Support Programme and National Rural Support Programme to prepare a comprehensive plan for involving all segment of communities in the rehabilitation work.

Earlier, Executive Director World Economic Forum (WEF) Robert Bell House at the Prime Minister`s House and discussed the assistance required by Pakistan from WEF for the rehabilitation of quake affected areas.

Prime Minister apprised the visiting dignitary regarding the extent of damage and devastation caused by the earthquake. He informed that government had set up two agencies to coordinate relief, rescue, reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the quake affected areas.

Bell House while talking on the occasion reassured his host that WEF had a separate cell for helping the countries, which were facing disaster and other natural calamities.

He assured full cooperation from the WEF in the rehabilitation of quake affected areas. He went on to say that WEF through its global membership would share the gravity of disaster with all the stake holders to help the people of AJK and NWFP.

Meanwhile, V. F. Rashnikov, chairman board of directors of Magnitogorsk, Iron and Steel work Russia called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at Prime Minister`s House on Monday.

Expressing his heartfelt grief over extent of losses by the tragic earthquake, Rashnikov said that his company had plan to invest in Pakistan.

Talking to the Russian delegation, the Prime Minister said as a result of government`s policies national economy had gained upward trend and stability.

The investment friendly policies initiated by the government have encouraged international companies and investors to invest in Pakistan, which all areas were open for investment.