As many as 15 NGOs of Punjab, which are actively involved in relief work for the victims of earthquake in Azad Kashmir and NWFP, have joined hands to form a coalition to work on long-term basis for rehabilitation of the victims.

The new alliance has been named NGO Coalition for the Rehabilitation of Earthquake Victims (NCREV). Among others, NGOs Child Care Foundation of Pakistan, GODH, Association of Network for Community Employment, PACADE Qafla, Community Education for Development Organisation, ASWA, IQRA Foundation are part of this alliance. Nasim Ahmed of Child Care Foundation and Nazir Ahmad Ghazi of GODH have been elected as chairman and co-ordinator of the coalition, respectively.

The main functions of the coalition will be to co-ordinate the relief and rehabilitation activities of NGOs and chalk out a long-term plan for the rehabilitation of quake victims. Members of the NCREV will soon visit Azad Kashmir and NWFP to conduct survey of sites for setting up primary schools for children in the worst affected areas.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005