On his arrival to Bannu, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Corps Commander Peshawar LT Gen Khalid Rabbani at the helipad. Later the Prime Minister was briefed by Major General Akhtar Jamil about the arrangements made for the IDPS of North Waziristan.
While addressing the IDPs the Prime Minster said, ‘We realize that this is a very difficult stage for all of you and we are working day and night to ease your difficulties”. The PM added that,” The IDPs are sacrificing their today for the better future of the country and as result of their sacrifices the curse of terrorism will be rooted out from this country, Insha Allah”.
The Prime Minister told the IDPs that we are with you in these difficult times and for this purposes we have put in force all of our resources. The PM said, “The government would spend maximum funds for IDPs, even if the amount is in billions or trillions.
PM announced that an additional amount of Rs. 20,000/ month would be given to each familyduring the month of Ramazan”. The PM said that allowance of Rs. 12,000 per month, apart from Rs. 3000/ month house rent and Rs. 5000/ month food allowance are already being given to each dislocated family. So the IDPs would be getting Rs. 40,000 for the month of Ramazan, he added. The Prime Minister stressed that, “this is no favour but only the duty of this government and the right of the IDPs”. The PM further added that, “the government has already made arrangements to provide fodder, grass and feed for livestock of the IDPs. Medical dispensaries will soon be installed where free cost treatment and medicines will be available. Everyone will be given polio vaccinations by Pak Army”.
The PM also appraised the gathering about the future developmental plans in the affected area. The PM said, “We are also planning and analyzing for the reconstruction of the effected houses in area of operation in order to rehabilitate the IDPs once the operation is over. We are simultaneously planning to develop the FATA region with roads, houses, water and sanitation facilities, and other civic amenities so that the life of the people here becomes at par with rest of the country”.
The PM appreciated the army officers and its jawans for their sacrifices and commitment for the cause of the nation and said, “Army is giving their lives and salaries for IDPs, and for this they deserve praise from the whole nation. Insha Allah, terrorism will be banished and Pakistan will prosper”. He said the entire nation was united against menace of terrorism and militancy.
The Prime Minister also distributed relief goods and food packages amongst the IDPs. (HC)
