November 2, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was about the recent earthquake that struck Pakistan. The program discussed the damages caused by the earthquake, the rehabilitation process initiated by the government, civil society organizations, and the issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). Other topics like Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s (PDMA) role for rehabilitation, survey of the affected areas and lack of psychosocial support for victims were also a part of the discussion.

The program aired on Monday under the theme of “Jarga Marraka” (public dialogue). Mr. Lateef Ur Rehman, Communication Officer PDMA, took part as a guest in the show. The other two guests, Mr. Shoukat Yousufzai, a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) and Mr. Zahid Khan, Secretary Information, Awami National Party (ANP) participated through telephone.

The program’s central theme was highlighted in reports from Swat and Bajaur Agencies in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The reports discussed the problems of the victims of the earthquake, and the level of government support in rehabilitation.

Two callers took part in the live program. They urged the government to help the earthquake victims and to make the NOC process easier, so that the civil society organizations can provide more assistance to the people.

Waheed Gul, a caller, said, “The government should make the NOC process simple because they will not be able to handle emergency situations entirely on their own.” Another caller, Adil, said, “The government should speed up the rehabilitation process as the weather has also started to change. The situation in the earthquake affected areas might worsen if it starts to rain or snow.”

Mr. Lateef Ur Rehman, Communication Officer PDMA

“We are struggling to help and support the victims. We have deployed our staff members in the earthquake affected areas, who are conducting surveys and making the necessary arrangements. PDMA has the district budget, which can be utilized by district focal persons in emergency situations. Incase if someone’s name is missing, they can call us at our hotline 091-9213845/9213969/9223662.”

Mr. Zahid Khan, Secretary Information, ANP

“The government is not serious at all. No one has visited the affected areas and people are still waiting for help. They spend time without food and water in the tents.”

Mr. Shoukat Yousufzai, MPA, KP Assembly

“We have done the initial survey through local authorities and now the Pakistan Army is in process to complete the survey. When we receive the final survey from the Pakistan Army, we will start the compensation process. I assure you that every affected person/family will be compensated. Besides this, we are also planning for psychosocial support which is an important element.”