Punjab releases Rs 12.20b for flood affectees.

LAHORE -- The Punjab government has released a sum of Rs 12.20 billion to be distributed among as many as 55,400 flood victims.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi Thursday started the payAment process in a ceremony held at the chief minister's secretariat. He formally launched the programne and gave relief funds to the victims of Taunsa, Jampur, Kot Chhata, Rajanpur and Rojhan at the special BoP counter. Addressing the cereAmony, the chief minister said that he had been given an opportunity by the God Almighty to serve the people but did not beat the drum like Shehbaz Sharif.

'Shehbaz Sharif went to the flood vicAtims, had photo sessions and came back. He is very fond of the protocol. Shehbaz Sharif is so 'lucky' that the officer who shakes hands with him has to quit. What is the use of your government if you don't help the province or give a good officer?', he criticized the prime minister.

CM Parvez Elahi said that a total of Rs 12.20 billion in aid was being given to 55,400 flood victims. 'The governAment is giving 2.8 lakh rupees each to the owners of 47,500 mud houses and 4 lakh rupees each to the owners of 8 thouAsand concrete...