Govt has failed in rescue operations

The government had failed in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the quake-victims while the masses had gained success by donating maximum for the affected people at this critical juncture in the history of Pakistan, said President Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, while talking to mediamen at the Services Hospital on Monday.
Incarcerated Acting President Pakistan Muslim League (N) Javed Hashmi stated that to keep the morale high and as per military tactics, the death figures and the scale of devastation was deliberately concealed, "but this is done only at the time of war and against an enemy. This has created misunderstanding among the comity of nations, and because of the Musharraf policies, Pakistan has been left high and dry by the world, which could have helped a lot. Moreover, the relief efforts have been caused a huge damage by his (Musharraf’s) steps," he stated. Hashmi maintained that the nation and the international community were far ahead in comparison to Pervez Musharraf’s efforts. "The nation will not forgive the rulers in case of the further delay in the provision of the tents to the homeless in face of the impending inclement weather," he added.
Hashmi stated that the nation needed sympathies and leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto. "For the propagation of the national unity and reconstruction of the devastated areas, the exiled leadership should be allowed to come back sans any conditions.
Hashmi was also critical of the army’s involvement in the rescue and relief operations beyond an acceptable limit. "The Relief Commissioner enjoys good reputation, but this is not his job. The trend of establishing monopoly of one institution is absolutely wrong. The army is prepared to deal with emergency situations, and town planning is not its duty," he added. Hashmi showed his reservations about the success of the army in the reconstruction efforts.
Javed Hashmi was brought to the Services Hospital for his dental check-up.
October 24, 2005