Senators from across the political spectrum urged the government on Monday to announce a special relief package for 5.5 million flood victims in Sindh on an emergency basis, but failed to suggest concrete measures to alleviate their suffering.
“We stand united as floods have hit Sindh the hardest,” said PML-N Senator Ishaq Dar. “Miseries of the flood-stricken people have doubled since they already experienced a great humanitarian crisis last year.” A joint committee from both Houses should be formed for timely intervention, he added. He announced a donation of Rs1 million for flood victims and urged the government to reactivate the Prime Minister Relief Fund. Deputy Chairman Jan Muhammad Jamali said every member should contribute a minimum of Rs25,000 for flood survivors. However, two lady senators asked that the amount be reduced.
(Read: When you lose everything, a tent becomes a luxury)
Leader of the House Nayyar Hussain Bukhari informed the Senate that some 275 people had perished in the floods. “The prime minister has constituted a four-member committee to monitor the situation.” Crops spread over 1.6 million acres have been damaged in 16 districts, he added.
Opposition Leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, who kicked off the debate on the floods as Jan Jamali suspended routine business, said practical steps should be taken to prevent the spread of an epidemic and relief goods should be provided immediately to survivors.
Senator Abdul Nabi demanded that the government waive off loans advanced to small farmers and provide them with seeds for the next season.
Senator Gul Muhammad Lot suggested the session be prorogued and senators should visit the affected areas to help and raise funds for survivors. Mir Hasil Bizenjo said parliament should evolve a strategy to meet the challenge posed by the devastation.
(Read: Floods —Pakistan needs help)
The Senate, which began the debate 92 minutes behind schedule, also passed a resolution calling upon the government to take measures to ensure protection for journalists. Lawmakers also demanded that the dismissal of a veteran journalist by a private TV channel be thoroughly investigated. Journalists boycotted the session to protest against political pressure which allegedly cost the TV anchor his job. Senator Prof Ibrahim of Jamaat-i-Islami asked lawmakers to come up with suggestions to improve the Journalists Protection Bill, 2011, tabled by his party in the Senate.
Special Committee Meeting A special committee headed by Nayyar Bokhari will hold a meeting to chalk out a strategy for helping flood victims in Sindh. Senators across party lines will attend the meeting and business will not be conducted on Tuesday (today). The house will meet again on Wednesday at 4pm.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ