President directs prompt distribution of compensation to victims of militancy

ISLAMABAD, Feb 15 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday terming the victims of militancy as national heroes advised the Frontier provincial government to immediately undertake payment of compensation to their families. The President also asked the provincial government to inform the President’s office about the disbursement daily. The advise follows the release of Rs 283 million for FATA and another Rs 340 million for the Frontier province by the government in pursuance of his announcement to the province to compensate the families of the victims of suicide bombings and acts of terror. The President during his visit advised the government to provide funds and to make immediate disbursements to the families of the victims. He said it was vital that following the transfer of funds, the provincial government ensures proper disbursement without any delay. Under the program Rs 300,000 will be paid for every fatality and Rs 100,000 for the injured as compensation. The funds released takes into account all the fatalities and injuries in the province and FATA that have occurred so far. The President said it was a meager amount that could not compensate for the severe loss and sufferings, but was a demonstration of the will of the government not to abandon its citizens and to keep fighting the militants till their subjugation. The President said that rehabilitation of families of the victims was not only the moral responsibility of the government towards its citizens but also an essential component in the fight against militancy. He said that he has raised this issue with world leaders and international bodies and expressed the hope that the world community will also step in to play its role in compensating and rehabilitating the victims of militancy. “Those who refused to bow and died, those who suffered while standing in the fight against militancy are our national heroes and heroines who must be honored; and will be honoured”, the President said.