FAO mission to submit report on Agriculture loss in affected areas by Nov 15
(Updated at 2310 PST)
ISLAMABAD: FAO mission will submit its report to Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock regarding the loss in agriculture and livestock sector in quake-hit areas of NWFP and AJK by Nov 15, sources said here on Sunday.
Representative of FAO said that FAO mission comprising 5 international experts and 6 national experts was preparing a report on damage to agriculture sector and proposed the reconstruction strategy and would come up with proposals.
He said that they were ready to finalize the report on the set date and they would submit the report by 15 November to Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock and the all concerned agencies were being consulted in this regard.
Interestingly, while the government has appointed a Rehabilitation Commissioner and the prime minister has announced a 12-point relief and rehabilitation programme for the quake hit regions, there has between no mention of agriculture and livestock in the governmental planning. Neither have the Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock that oversees the sectors, has sent any team for the assessment of damage to either Azad Kashmir or Mansehra areas
The FAO team after surveying agriculture and livestock losses, it would recommend a rehabilitation plan. FAO is likely to provide expertise for the implementation of its plan.
US not to cut air support for quake affectees despite UN warning
(Updated at 2305 PST)
ISLAMABAD: US negating media reports that relief helicopters will soon stop flying if donations to the U.N. effort don't increase US embassy in Pakistan has clarified that the U.S. has no plans to diminish its support of its ally Pakistan in its hour of need and hopes the international community can step up with great increased commitments to support the relief efforts.
US embassy in Pakistan in a statement said, "We agree with the UN that the international community needs to greatly step up its level of support to Pakistan in order to provide humanitarian relief during what will be a protracted relief operation lasting months. We would urge all donors to do the same.
However, The U.S. has no plans to diminish its support of its ally Pakistan in its hour of need and hopes the international community can step up with great increased commitments to support the relief efforts."
Relief operations are continuing on an accelerated basis, with increasing quantities of relief supplies being airlifted on a daily basis, the statement said.
The day after the earthquake, four US-provided helicopters already in Pakistan mobilized to the affected areas. Two days after the earthquake, eight U.S. military helicopters arrived in Pakistan and begin immediately flying food, medicine, water and other relief supplies to the areas most severely damaged by the earthquake, the statement said.
In the three weeks since then, U.S. Helicopters have flown nearly 800 sorties to quake stricken areas, and have delivered more than 2.8 million pounds of relief supplies. Additionally, they have evacuated nearly 3,000 people injured by the earthquake, the statement said.
During this operation, we have increased and plan to further increase the number of U.S. Helicopters to respond to the requests and needs of the Pakistani Government and Military. Today, 21 U.S. military helicopters are involved in relief missions, flying dozens of sorties each day to relief centers and villages throughout the quake stricken area with more expected within coming days.
In addition, the US Government has contributed $3.5 million dollars to the UN-WFP airlift through UNHAS, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service. Of $5 million the US has contributed to ICRC, up to $2 million is also being used to support airlift capacity in Pakistan, the statement said.
ADB delegation arrives next month
(Updated at 2300 PST)
ISLAMABAD: The delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) will visit Pakistan next month and take up the matter of delaying in implementation of its 24 funded projects,"sources said here on Sunday.
"The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed serious concern over delay in implementation of its funded projects, and demanded of the government an effective monitoring system for improvement in this area, sources added.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed serious concern over delay in implementation of its funded projects, and demanded of the government an effective monitoring system for improvement in this area. The delegation was due in Islamabad in the current month but delayed the visit due to the earthquake.
Sources said that ADB teams have been raising the issue at different levels and demanding that the pace of work at delayed projects should be expedited.
According to sources, around 24 ADB funded projects fall in the category of dissatisfactory implementation, and the bank wants improvement to ensure their timely implementation. They claim that in some cases delay is of even more than three years and even extension in deadline could not make the government move to the expectations of ADB.
They quote projects like the programme of judicial reforms and police reforms, revamping of water courses in Punjab, project initiated for promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), federally administered tribal area (Fata) uplift programme and various other uplift projects undertaken by the provinces to increase the income of women and low income group, in particular, the in rural area in support of their arguments.
Similarly, some of the ADB funded projects could not take off due to one reason or the other.
According to ADB delay in implementation of some of the key projects related to institutional reforms and welfare of the people is a serious concern to the bank and its team is coming to Pakistan to take up the matter with the authorities.
Sources said a two-member ADB review mission, which visited Islamabad early this month raised the issue with the advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Salman Shah and demanded that the government should take the matter seriously to avoid inordinate in implementation of its funded projects.
According to sources Salman assured the delegation that he would personally look into the matter and make it sure that ADB funded projects did not suffer for any reason. Dr Salman also assured the delegation to take up the matter with the provinces to push them to improve their implementation and monitoring system of the foreign funded projects.
UAE Red Crescent Society distributes relief goods in Patika
(Updated at 2300 PST)
ISLAMABAD: The UAE Red Crescent Society's team has distributed relief goods in Patika, Azad Kashmir with the cooperation of the Cabinet Division, the UAE Ambassador Ali Mohammed Al - Shamsi said on Sunday.
Al Shamsi said that choppers carried blankets, tents and food supplies to hundreds of affectees in Patika.
The RCS has so far brought seven planes with relief goods on board and purchases have also been from the local market, he said.
Meanwhile, several associations in UAE continue their appeal for donations.
The Women Associations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are mobilizing campaigns to collect donations.
In a statement, Ambassador Al Shamsi said that the Government of UAE is wholeheartedly participating in the multinational assistance and support all the efforts by the Government of Pakistan to provide aid to victims of the devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that caused massive destruction
to Mansehra district in North West Frontier Province and Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawlakot in Azad Kashmir.
The Ambassador, while giving details of relief assistance offered by UAE, said that soon after the quake happened UAE donated $100.00 millions to the Government of Pakistan.
Al Shamsi said that search and rescue teams comprised 95-member arrived from Abu Dhabi and Dubai with sniffer dogs soon after the quake hit Pakistan. He said that armed forces delegation and medical teams established a fully equipped 100-bed field hospital in Balakot on October 12.
A relief air bridge has been established and 25 planes with relief goods brought with around 1200 tons of items. The Ambassador said the military Institue for rehabilitation medicine in Rawalpindi and the UAE Armed Forces have agreed on an arrangement for the treatment of serious cases in UAE. He informed that a total of 38 serious injured were airlifted to UAE. He said that a UAE Red Crescent Society team has surveyed the affected areas and engaged in distribution of tents, blankets, food items and medicines purchased from the local market.
H said that Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Charitable and Humanitarian Works is engaged in relief operations in Balakot. A total of 12,000 blankets and 7600 tents have been distributed and ration cards were given to 5600 registered families in Janoon and other villages in the first week. The UAE Scouts has donated 40 tons of relief goods of which 20 tons and the consignment arrived here on Tuesday.
He said that Pakistani community in UAE has also sent eight planes with relief goods including tents, blankets, medicines and food items.
Musharraf calls for demilitarization for settling vexed Kashmir issue
(Updated at 2145 PST)
DUBAI: Observing that the massive temblor that hit both sides of the LoC has offered an "opportunity" for moving forward on resolving the Kashmir issue, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said he favoured the idea of demilitarisation for ultimately settling the vexed problem.
"I am for demilitarisation. If they agree to that, we will too. We are very flexible. We are absolutely open to moving forward to the ultimate solution. You can't clap with one hand; you can only clap with two," he told Arab News when asked did he think it was high time for people of both sides to do something for peace in the wake of the natural calamity.
"There must be political movement. There must be discussions between India and Pakistan, involving Kashmiris that will lead to results. I am for these results. This is an opportunity. You are very right that we are spending too much money on the military, he said.
When asked about charges in some sections of the Indian media that Pakistan haggled on the issue of opening the LoC, he said "It is unfortunate that anybody has said that Pakistan has haggled on the issue of opening of points on the LoC. Pakistan has been haggling on only one issue: Indian military personnel coming across the LoC. On no other issue has Pakistan haggled."
Asking Syria and Iran to adopt a reconciliatory approach rather than a confrontational one in dealing with the United States said, "Anything that serves to increase confrontation should be avoided. We must concentrate on things which assist reconciliation instead of things which lead to confrontation."
Asked what Pakistan's role would be if the US opened a new front against Syria and Iran, Musharraf said there were already too many fronts and they all needed to be closed.
Musharraf expressed his gratitude for the Kingdom's generous aid to the quake-affected people in Pakistan. "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the royal family have shown great generosity and set an example for others to follow," Musharraf said. He also lauded the Saudi people for donating financial and material aid in support of the victims.
The president said it was unfortunate that in some quarters, especially in the Arab world, there was a misunderstanding about the recent contacts between Pakistan and Israel.
"Pakistan's stance concerning the Palestinian cause remains unchanged; there has been no change whatsoever," the president said.
Relief activities are in full swing in quake-hit areas: DG ISPR Sultan
(Updated at 2125 PST)
ISLAMABAD: Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan has said that relief activities are progressing day by day in quake-ravaged areas of Kashmir.
"Relief work is in full swing in quake affected areas and Pakistan army has got access to more areas", Sultan told private TV channel here on Sunday.
He noted that work was also underway for wiping out rubble from roads in quake hit areas.
Road ply up to Chanari in Jhelum Valley will be opened today (Saturday), he added.
DG ISPR said that road in Leepa Valley has also been cleared while Chakoti road to be opened within coming few days.
Army Jawans are busy in removing the debris from Chakoti road, he maintained.
Sultan observed that work for clearing roads in Kafar Khan range and in Neelum Valley is also going on.
He said that foods would be provided in quake-stricken areas through Chinook helicopters.
He noted more helicopters are coming from foreign countries to participate in relief activities.
We will try to reach distant quake-hit areas in coming four weeks, DG ISPR said.
He said that matter of the evacuation of earthquake survivors from Alai transformed political situation.
Sultan went on to say that there is no possibility of volcano in Alai.
However, tent-houses are being set up in Alai so that people could live in Valley rather than on height, he said.
Sunni Tehreek activist shot dead in Karachi
(Updated at 2115 PST) By Khurshid Abbasi
Karachi: A member of Sunni Tehreek was killed near M A Jinnah road here today when some miscreants sprayed bullets on him.
The deceased identified as Nadeem Qadri –sector incharge- was gunned down near Jama Cloth market within Preedy police station jurisdiction when some unknown motorcyclists fired bullets on him
However, the assailants escaped the scene, wheras police has begun their investigation.
Providing shelters to the affectees is top priority of govt: AJK PM
(Updated at 1820 PST)
MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat has said raising tent cities and sheds of metallic sheets to provide shelters to the quake survivors against biting cold is the top priority of his government.
He said this while talking to UN assistant secretary general and UNDP regional director for Asia Pacific Hafiz Pasha here Sunday at Prime Minister house.
He informed that three districts of AJK were badly affected in October 8, devastating earthquake and colossal loss of life and property was caused. The rehabilitation work for the quake affectees is underway.
He went on to say that massive loss caused by the killer earthquake was never even imagined by them. In this hour of crisis, armed forces, foreign organizations and countries had provided relief material. The relief aid had boosted our morale. The need is there that shelter be provided to the people living on LoC and in remote areas before the onset of harsh winter.
He underlined that relief work was in progress at fast paced at government level. People of earthquake hit areas of AJK had demonstrated unprecedented patience, he added.
Committees at village level have been set up for payment of compensation to the affectees, he pointed out.
The work to carry out estimated cost of construction of houses has been started in pursuance of directives of AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan and chief secretary Kashif Murtaza. A committee comprising deputy commissioners of respective districts, members of legislative assembly and military authorities has been established in this respect.
The distribution of compensation among the quake victims will be started from November 1 through committee.
Qazi Hussain to offer Eid prayers in Muzaffarabad
(Updated at 1840 PST)
ISLAMABAD: Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Qazi Hussain Ahmed will offer Eid prayers with the affectees of Muzaffarabad besides spending the entire day (Eid) amongst them.
According to a Press Release of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Qazi Hussain will offer Eid prayers in the browbeaten city of Muzaffarabad among thousands of affectees.
He will address Eid congregation at 8:30am while Eid prayers will be offered at 9:00am.
On Eid day, Qazi Hussain will visit relief camps to inquire the health of affectees after killer earthquake.
On the other hand, Qazi Hussain has asked people to celebrate Eid with serenity and do not forget their brothers and sisters who are suffering in Muzaffarabad after Oct 8 devastating earthquake.
Meanwhile Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan has decided to send Eid gifts like woolen blankets, food, tents and other needy items for the affectees on the auspicious ocassion of Eid.
PM, Saudi Prince review ongoing relief efforts in AJK
(Updated at 1840 PST)
MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz along with Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Chairman Kingdom Holding Company Sunday visited the earthquake-hit areas of Muzaffarabad to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work.
AJK President, Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan, AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat and Minister for Kashmir Affairs Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat and other officials received both the dignitaries at Neelum valley Stadium, when they reached there by helicopter.
Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Saeed Awadh Al Asseri also accompanied the Prime Minister and Prince Al-Waleed during this visit. The Prime Minister and Saudi Prince visited different affected areas of Muzaffarabad city and appreciated the relief and rehabilitation works being carried out by Pakistan Army to normalise the life here. They also visited Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences to enquire about the health of the injured patients here.
The Prime Minister distributed cash compensation among the patients and also handed over some cheques of Rs. 100,000 among the legal heirs of those who lost their lives in this devastated earthquake. On the occasion, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who is one of the five richest persons in the world, announced one million dollar to help Pakistan continue relief efforts for the victims.
He also announced to construct 20 schools in Muzaffarabad. The donation of one million dollars is personal contribution of Prime Al-Waleed and he has already announced US $ 7 million for the quake victims of AJK and NWFP.
Amended Hasba Bill to be moved in NWFP assembly tomorrow
(Updated at 1630 PST)
PESHAWAR: NWFP government in the provincial assembly tomorrow will be presenting an amended draft of Hasba Bill.
Hasba Bill moved in the last session of the assembly by NWFP government was approved with majority votes, but later a presidential reference regarding constitutional standing of the Bill was filed in the Supreme Court and the Court, terming some clauses of the Bill contrary to the constitution of Pakistan, had told NWFP Governor that he was not bound to sign this Bill.
The provincial government, in the light of the decision of the Supreme Court, has deleted the controversial clauses of this Bill and has now decided to present the new draft of the Bill in the assembly.
NWFP Senior Minister, Sirajul Huque told Geo here that a decision has also been taken to challenge in the Supreme Court even the deletion of the clauses that has taken effect.
Meanwhile, an informal meeting of opposition parties in the assembly has been called for finalizing a strategy on the amended draft of Hasba Bill.
Opposition leader, Shahzada Gastasap told Geo that the opposition parties had opposed Hasba Bill earlier and even now they would be opposing vehemently this altered draft of the Bill.
Russian helicopter boost up relief work, says Sultan
(Updated at 1520 PST)
ISLAMABAD: Director General ISPR Maj. General Shaukat Sultan has said a Russian MI 26 helicopter was reached in Azad Kashmir to boost relief activities in the quake-hit region.
Talking to Geo he said the Russian MI 26 is the largest helicopter in world, which will significantly boost the work for reopening of roads by airlifting machinery to the affected areas. It will also help in reopening of the road to Neelum valley. Presently Chinook helicopters being used for airlifting of the machinery and equipment to the affected areas, he said.
Shaukat Sultan said the road was badly devastated in the quake and restoration of the Neelum valley road can take more than four months. However efforts being made to restore the road at least for mules to provide relief to inaccessible areas.
He said Chinari road in Jhelum valley would be reopened tomorrow, while remaining 7-kilometer portion of the road has been completely washed.
Sultan said relief items being airlifted by Chinook helicopters to the Khaliana valley denying the reports that the area has not yet accessed to provide relief.
Relief camps setup in Azad Kashmir's Chakothi and Chilliana
(Updated at 1140 PST)
MUZAFFARABAD: Soldiers have retrieved nine more dead bodies from debris in quake-hit Muzaffarabad, while relief camps have been established in Chakothi and Chilliana areas of Azad Kashmir.
According to Geo correspondent in Muzaffarabad Army soldiers recovered nine more bodies from rubbles mainly from the Azad Kashmir capital’s Madina Market area that were buried later.
Military men were engaged in relief operations in the area and tents, blankets and edible items being distributed from relief camps in Muzaffarabad.
Relief items also being distributed from two newly established relief camps in Chakothi and Chilliana.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will arrive in Muzaffarabad today to visit quake injured in hospitals and distribute relief cheques to the victims of October 8 earthquake.
Pakistan’s prime minister will also attend a briefing on quake relief operations in the territory.
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