NATO Forces not here for occupation, says President
Bureau Report

LAHORE—President General Pervez Musharraf has said that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces are only participating in relief activities in quake hit areas, as they do not have any other purpose.
“No body can occupy the soil of Pakistan, as we know how to guard our country”, the President said while addressing a ceremony held in connection with the formation of Universities Chapter of National Volunteers Movement (NVM) at Awan-e-Iqbal here on Monday.
Punjab Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool, Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Provincial Minister for Special Education Qudsia Lodhi, Federal Minister and NVM chief executive Muhammad Ali Durrani, NVM national coordinator Brig (Retd) Yasoob Ali Dogar, universities vice chancellors and great number of universities students were also present on the occasion.
He said that NATO forces came to Pakistan only to assist in relief activities underway in quake-hit areas adding, how we could provide relief goods in quake-hit areas if NATO troops had not come to Pakistan to assist us in relief work.
The President said that establishment of ‘NVM Universities Chapter’ is a big step that work in the central system of the Movement. He went on to say that formation of NVM aimed at helping quake-stricken people. After formulating proper strategy, we have started work in organized manners for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of quake-hit areas, he added. Musharraf noted that Donors Conference was held in successful manners, as delegates of 85 countries besides donors organizations attended the Conference. He also stressed transparency in rehabilitation and reconstruction work in worst-hit areas. Responding to reservations regarding delay in relief activities soon after October 8 earthquake, the President observed that there was no delay in starting relief work in quake-hit areas, as nation, world community, government, army, volunteer organizations immediately responded to call for help in tragedy-stricken areas.
Relief work was started soon after earthquake and army helicopters shifted hundreds of dead bodies to CMH Rawalpindi up till 5:00 pm on that tragic day (October 8), he maintained. President Relief Fund and Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority besides Relief Commission were established soon after the calamitous earthquake, he added. He said that government had allocated Rs 80 billion for the construction of 400,000 homes.
Decision has been taken to give Rs 1,50,000 to every man whose house dashed to ground following earthquake, the President said. He added that NVM volunteers would provide guidance to homeless for constructing houses. A comprehensive database is being formulated for rehabilitation process and this task (of preparing database) will be completed within fifteen days, he said.
Musharraf said that a web site would also be launched in this regard. He said that half of the financial aid, which were pledged in donors conference, to be given in the form of grant while rest of aid will be provided in the soft loan form. The President said that reconstruction and rehabilitation work would be completed in two years and it would bring revolutions in quake-affectees lives.
He said that some organizations, which have been declared as extremist by the world, are also participating in relief activities. It is a good step on these organizations part to participate in relief work but it is totally wrong that their names are sounding behind Istanbul and Delhi bomb blasts, as it will tarnish country’s image, he added. Musharraf said those who are involved in extremist and terrorist activities are getting nothing but only earning bad name for country.
They should shun extremism and utilize their energies for the welfare of humanity, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool said that it is good step regarding relief activities that students of the all universities of Punjab are participating in NVM. Universities will send students team in quake-hit areas, he added.