Govt committed to uplift, prosperity of backward areas: Gilani

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that while focusing on rehabilitation of flood-hit people and reconstruction of affected infrastructure, the government has special emphasis on the development and prosperity of backward areas of the country.

He stated this talking to renowned singer Hadeeqa Kiyani, who called on him at his DHA residence here Monday. The Prime Minister presented her a cheque of Rs one million as contribution to the houses being constructed by her for flood affected people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwah.

"The government appreciates the role of NGOs and other private sector organizations supplementing its efforts towards this end", Premier stated.

Prime Minister hailed Hadeeq's efforts for the noble cause of rehabilitation of flood hit people.

Gilani hoped that other organizations\NGOs would follow the suite by making vital contributions to the government's efforts aimed at mitigating suffering of flood affectees.

On this occasion, renowned singer Hadeeqa Kiyani told the Premier that since the flood calamity, she had started construction of 200 houses with the generous help of her family and friends in flood-hit areas of Mian Essa, Banda Ismail Sheikh and Banda Malla Khel in KP.

Up till now, she said, 50 houses in Mian Essa and 94 in the other two villages had been completed and handed over to the affected locals.

Hadeeqa said the assistance extended by him (Prime Minister) would help ensure completion of rest of the houses ahead of monsoon rains. She appreciated that Pakistan Army was also playing an effective role by monitoring the construction activities under the project.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011