President visits relief camp in Swabi

[Waqas 48]

SWABI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday urged the nation to help the millions of displaced, who had been forced out of their homes in a bid to rid their land from extremists and terrorists.

In a brief address to a gathering of the displaced persons here at the Shah Mansoor Camp, the president noted that the displaced people who had rendered the great sacrifice of leaving their homes, needed the support of the people of Pakistan, in their hour of need.

“I am here to share your sufferings and problems,” the president said and added the entire nation stands by them.

President Zardari distributed gifts amongst the children and relief goods amongst the people, said the whole nation stands by the brethren from the areas affected by conflict.

He directed that best possible facilities be provided to the people so as to mitigate their problems after being forced out of their homes.

He said a model camp will be set up at the Jalozai and the injured and handicapped would be provided wheel chairs and other facilities.

He urged the affectees to keep up their spirits and promised that the government will try to provide them better facilities than they had, before the operation began. He urged them to support the government and the Pakistan Army in its efforts to eliminate extremists.

Zardari said he was in a position to understand their pain as he himself was a victim of terrorism and said the day when they would return, was not far.

The president was accompanied by Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira and Interior Minister Rehman Malik.

He was greeted by NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti and Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Chairman of Special Support Group and was informed about the facilities being extended to the IDPs.