Gilani directs return of Atta Abad affectees by end August
ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday directed return of Atta Abad affectees by end August and disbursement of Rs.315 million relief package to them.Chairing a high level meeting here at the PM Secretariat Gilani directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government, National Disaster Management Authority and concerned ministries and departments to work in tandem to ensure the return of Atta Abad affectees by the deadline. He also directed disbursement of the relief package for the affectees on the pattern of the affecttees of Swat-Malakand line.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah, Secretary Finance, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan and Member Planning Commission.
Gilani said Rs. 77 million have already been spent on food, medicine, shelter and transportation of Atta Abad lake affectees.
He also directed the Finance Ministry to release an additional amount of Rs. 80 million for further deepening and broadening of the spillway to drain out water from the lake at the earliest.
Out of Rs.15 billion Special Development Programme for Gilgit Baltistan,he said, the government has already allocated an amount of Rs. 3 billion in the current budget to bring the region at par with other areas of the country.
He also directed to ensure provision of relief goods to the people stranded in the upper part of the lake.
Chairman NDMA gave a detailed presentation about humanitarian aspect and technical work being carried out in the affected area.
Secretary Finance informed the meeting that all funds for the affected area were being channelized through Gilgit Baltistan government.
no return without proper rehabilitation…