May 31, 2010

Gilgit Baltistan: Free Education Announced But Implementation Awaited


Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah announced free education for children of affected people by recent devastating landslides.

 

Below is an article published by Associated Press of Pakistan:


He announced the decision in a press conference, primarily conducted to brief media about comprehensive efforts and strategy made by the government, soon after situation turned bitter after forming the natural lake by avalanching and consequently causing land slide in Attabad.


Terming as the timeliest action by the government to compensate the affected people, Syed Mehdi Shah said “The incidence was occurred on January 4 [2010] and it happened first time in the country’s history that we reached to the affected areas so early - on January 9”. He added that they provided an amount of Rs5 lac three [€5,060] by the federal government and two lac rupees  [€1,910] by GB government.
He lauded the visits of Sharif brothers of PML-N, JUI Chief Moulana Faza-ul-Rehman, Federal Minister and NGO’s representatives to provide support and help to the affected people.  He also informed that Prime Minister of Azad Jammu Kashmir will pay visit to the valley tomorrow. The AJK PM as he said, will announce a package of Rs10 million [€95,480], with a truck of food items for the IDPs.


Referring the prospect of Judicial Inquiry of the issue causing land sliding in the area, he said “we have no objection on this, rather we welcome it.


He, however pinpointed those political figures to be busy in politicking the issue. “I know those politicians, who never even offered Fateha for the departed souls, but accusing government for unable to handle the crisis”, he said.