PM Nawaz vows to defeat all conspiracies against govt
13 October, 2014
LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday vowed to defeat the conspiracies to destabilise the government and democracy with the backing of the people and reiterated that the government would continue to concentrate its attention to resolve crisis facing the country including load shedding.
Talking to his brother Shahbaz Sharif who is the Punjab chief minister, Nawaz said the people were with the government and democracy and the government would not leave them alone at the mercy of vested interests.
During the meeting, overall political situation in the country, unfortunate tragedy after the PTI public meeting in Multan, compensation to flood affectees and security arrangements during Muharram were reviewed.
Nawaz asked Shahbaz to rehabilitate the flood-affected people on priority basis and heighten security in Lahore and other cities during Muharram.
Nawaz said that action would be taken against those responsible of Multan tragedy after a transparent inquiry. He said people behind the political impasse were creating hurdles in the development of the country, adding that these people were the "real enemy" of the country.
The PM said those staging sit-ins have been exposed and people were not backing them. As a result, the leaders of sit-ins have become disappointed and were now looking for a "safe exit".
Shahbaz briefed Nawaz that entire machinery of the province was in action to help the flood-affected people and in addition to relief goods, cash compensation will be ensured to every one for the loss of lives, property, crops and cattle heads.
He said that he has already issued direction to Punjab inspector general to make all the arrangements for peace and order during Muharram.
Separately, Nawaz said that the implementation of the National Disaster Management Plan 2012-2022 included robust preparedness plans, which will enable a rapid and more effective response when a disaster unfolds.
In his message on the occasion of "International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction," the Prime Minister said the combination of more extreme climate events and an aging population, has the potential to increase older people's vulnerability to risks and disasters, especially in low-and middle-income countries.
He said International Day for Disaster Reduction is observed on October 13 which is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of reducing the risks of disasters and hence today's theme of "Aging Population and Disasters".
He said Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world and is among the 15 countries in which population of people over the age of 60 is more than 10 million.
The Prime Minister said although disasters such as floods are becoming a common occurrence in Pakistan, the burden is not shared equally by the entire society.
The vulnerability of a person or group of persons, he said affects their ability to cope with and survive in a disaster, adding that older persons, as a group, are mostly identified as among the most vulnerable segments of the population.
He said with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, countries around the world are realizing the importance of disaster preparedness and response planning and management.
The PM said it has been estimated that every single US dollar spent on risk reduction saves US$4-US$7 in costs associated with emergency response.
He said preparedness measures could significantly reduce the impact of disasters on people's lives, livelihoods and assets, while some disasters like floods can be prevented entirely by investing in flood-resistant infrastructure. "I hope the observance of this day would further highlight the potential of older persons allowing them to make positive contributions during times of crises," the PM added.
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