12 Oct. This morning, it was the first truck load of relief goods that reached Paniolla, a small town about 12 km from Rawalakot in Pakistani held Kashmir. Hundreds of desperate people gathered around the truck and some people even tried to snatch things. For them, it was very late as earthquake hit on morning Oct.8. The truck having goods worth half million rupees was sent from Lahore. There were three volunteers with the goods and Nisar Shah, LPP chairperson, was the fourth one who came to Rawalpindi from Paniolla to join and assist.

Mostly tents and blankets were distributed there and now many people are staying in those tents. Due to unavailability of tents in Lahore markets, these 25 tents were made available at a short notice. The speaker of Pakistani held Kashmir’s Assembly was there but with out any thing to offer to the affected people. He admitted regarding situation in Paniolla “my government failed but Labour Party Pakistan succeeded”. People of the town appreciated the effort, they were very happy. There was some food available in Paniolla so food items were not distributed and truck went to Bagh, a town badly affected by the earth quake. Although aid work has begun but there is a severe shortage of food there. Food was distributed mostly in Bagh.

Another truck having goods is on the way to the affected area of Balakot, also an area badly affected in NWFP province. Third one will be sent on October 13. (Report is based on telephonic conversation with volunteers in Paniolla.)

* Labour Relief Campaign is an initiative by Labour Party Pakistan, Labour Education Foundation, Women Workers Help Line and the National Trade Union Federation.

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