SURANKOTE: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Friday assured all possible government assistance to shopkeepers affected by the recent fire incident in Buffliaz and directed immediate relief measures, including the provision of timber and tin sheets for reconstruction of damaged shops.
During a visit to Buffliaz in Surankote, Rana met shopkeepers whose establishments were gutted in a devastating fire that destroyed at least 13 shops at the Main Chowk market earlier this month.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the Minister said the government stands firmly with them and will ensure all possible support for their rehabilitation and restoration of livelihoods.
The affected shopkeepers apprised the Minister of the heavy losses suffered in the blaze and sought adequate compensation and financial assistance for rebuilding their businesses. They urged the government to provide immediate relief to enable them to resume their economic activities.
Local residents also projected several developmental demands, including relocation of the Block Development Office (BDO) Buffliaz to a more accessible location and construction of a guest house in the area, citing Buffliaz’s importance as a key link between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Rana assured the delegation that the compensation process would be expedited in accordance with assessment reports prepared by the concerned departments.
As an immediate relief measure, he directed the Forest Department to provide timber and tin sheets to affected shopkeepers on priority to facilitate reconstruction of their damaged establishments.
“Our government stands firmly with the affected families and will ensure all possible support to help them rebuild their lives and resume their livelihoods at the earliest,” the Minister said.
