The seminar on 'State of Relief Operations in Earthquake-hit Areas' was organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and attended by people from various walks of life, who shared their concerns on lack of co-ordination within and between civil society and government agencies engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
It was also recommended that development of new cities in quake-prone zone should only be allowed after carrying out a seismological study so that no unsafe construction takes place.
Anjum Altaf of SDPI urged for an inquiry into the collapse of government buildings, adding that comprehensive survey must be undertaken before the reconstruction work in earthquake-hit areas.
He also stressed upon the need to minimise the risk of infections among the survivors, mainly women and children.
The participants also highlighted the issue of kidnapping of children and women and urged the government to ensure their protection.
The invisibility of women beneficiaries in relief operations was discussed and it was suggested that rescue workers should reach out to women survivors who otherwise have little or no access to relief goods.
Dr Shaheen Rafi Khan of SDPI said that the role of military in rescue operations has been significant due to their logistical capabilities; however, there was a need to enhance the co-ordination between civil society organisations and the army to enhance the effectiveness of relief operations.