LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday declared that her government would not seek foreign assistance for flood rehabilitation, asserting that Punjab has enough resources to address the crisis.
“I did not stretch my hands before anyone. I have protected the self-respect of Punjab’s people,” she said while addressing a ceremony in Okara to distribute flood cards among victims. Her remarks came as a veiled response to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s call for international aid.
Compensation & Relief Measures
Maryam announced the launch of the recovery phase, saying that 70% of the victim survey has been completed. She detailed a Rs100 billion relief package under which:
- Families who lost homes will receive Rs1 million.
- Families with partially damaged houses will get Rs500,000.
- Families of deceased victims will be given Rs1 million.
- Farmers will receive Rs20,000 per acre for crop losses.
She assured that no one except genuine victims will receive funds, adding that cheque distribution has begun across 15 districts.
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Relief Operations
The CM said 72 camps have been set up and 71,000 bank accounts opened for victims. Payments include Rs50,000 in cash from counters and up to Rs300,000 via ATM withdrawals daily.
Maryam highlighted that 1,700 rescue teams were mobilised and mobile hospitals deployed for people and livestock. She claimed to have personally administered an oath to 10,000 workers to serve honestly.
“There will be no discrimination between cities. Every flood-hit area will get equal relief,” she said.
Background
The PML-N and PPP — allies in the federal coalition — had earlier locked horns over flood aid distribution, with Bilawal criticising delays and urging the Centre to seek foreign assistance. The rift cooled after senior PML-N leaders met President Asif Ali Zardari in Nawabshah.
