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Earthquake

Tariq Ali speaks at Labour Relief Camp in Lahore

Wednesday 12 October 2005, by Farooq Tariq

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Renowned Left activist and writer Tariq Ali visited the Labour relief camp at regal Chouk this afternoon. Speaking on this occasion, he said that most of the foreign aid is normally eaten up by the corrupt bureaucracy and officials. Not even 10 percent of such aid reaches the relevant people. We fear this could happen when foreign aid comes to Pakistan after the recent earthquake.

Speaking on this occasion, he said that most of the foreign aid is normally eaten up by the corrupt bureaucracy and officials. Not even 10 percent of such aid reaches the relevant people. We fear this could happen when foreign aid comes to Pakistan after the recent earthquake.

He criticized the builders of tall towers and suggested that no building in countries like Pakistan which are at high risk should have more than three stories. He said the whole of the international and local media have focused to a tower which had fallen in Islamabad while ignoring the rest of the affected areas.

Tariq Ali said that shocks of the earthquake are felt by ordinary people even before the earthquake in poor countries like Pakistan in the shape of poverty and unemployment. This earthquake has worsened their situation.

Tariq Ali appreciated the Labour relief camp work and urged the other groups to follow the example.

Later he was present at the time of the departure of the second truck load of goods leaving for Balakot area.

On the third day of the camp, another 55000 Rupees ($1000) were raised from the passers by in cash and another 250,000 Rupees ($4500) in shape of goods. It included 820 Kafan (the cloths to cover the bodies) 500 plastic feeders for children and other food stuff including dry and packed milk, sugar, tea, blanket and medicines.

Farooq Tariq
Labour Party Pakistan
40-Abbot Road Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: 92 42 6315162 Fax: 92 42 6301685
Mobile: 92 300 8411945