Relief to be provided without any discrimination: Sherpao
By Bushra Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao Wednesday said that the government was trying to supply relief goods to all the affectees of October 8 devastating earthquake in far flung areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP without any discrimmination.
Talking to a quake injured during his visit to a medical camp at PIMSm hospital, the minister assured affectees that relief goods - donated by Pakistanis and world community- would be distributed evenly.
When the minister was about to leave after speaking to media men a victim, belonging to Hattian Bala, tried to reach him but the security men accompanying the minister stopped him. Interestingly an official in plain cloth asked the victim, "Do you understand English as the minister only speaks English."
However, after intervention from media persons, the victim made it to Mr. Sherpao and informed him that his fellow villagers were dying of cold and no relief goods were being supplied to Hattian, while dead bodies were still buried under the debris of collapsed houses in far flung villages. In meantime another quake victim belong to Khori, Muzaffarabad informed the minister that the quake survivors were in dire need of tents, as snowfall had started on the peaks of mountains. He said that the victims in their areas were not provided with adequate foods, blankets and warm clothes.
Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao assured them that as he was leaving for quake hit areas and would look into the matter. He said no discrimination would be tolerated in relief goods distribution. He appreciated the courage of the quake affectees in Azad Kashmir and NWFP who were braving the hardships with courage.
The minister thanked the international community for timely responding to the relief call made by Pakistan and over 32 countries were providing relief goods including tents and blankets and food items. He said that government, masses and army are taking part in relief activities with zeal and hoped that the nation would overcome the October 8 tragedy with unity and courage.