Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed on Monday informed the Senate that the process to compensate the earthquake victims would be complete by Thursday.
Responding to various points raised by senators regarding relief work and other subsequent steps taken by the government in the wake of the October 26 earthquake, he said that the prime minister had announced Rs 600,000 compensation for everyone person to have died, Rs 100,000 for every person to get injured, and Rs 200,000 for every person that lost a limb.
Similarly, Rs 200,000 would be paid for each completely damaged house and Rs 100,000 for partially damaged one, he added. He said that the compensation disbursement process has formally started from Timergara, where the prime minister distributed cheques among the earthquake victims.
The minister said that bank counters would be established at distribution points so that victims could draw the amount without any difficulty.
He said although no amount of money could compensate the pain and grief of the victims, but it was an effort on part of the government to assist them in their hour of need.
He said the compensation amount had been announced after consultation with the KP chief minister.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif soon after his return from the USA, visited the earthquake-hit areas, including Shangla, Chitral, and other districts to review the damage.
He said Pakistan Army, NDMA and provincial and federal governments are providing best possible assistance to earthquake victims.
The minister said that Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also dispatched relief goods for earthquake victims.
Senator Talaha Mehmood, Noman Wazir, Sirjul Haq, Usman Kakar, Ahmed Hussain suggested to form a special committee of the Senate to monitor relief and rehabilitation activities in the earthquake affected areas.
They also asked the government to increase the compensation amount for the earthquake victims.
Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani referred the issue to the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet and directed it to submit a comprehensive report to the House on Tuesday (November 10).
