Swat jirga slams govt inaction

Elders criticised the role of the provincial and federal government in the wake of the recent floods.

SWAT: Elders of Swat Qomi jirga, while addressing a press conference, criticised the role of the provincial and federal government in the wake of the recent floods and torrential rains throughout Swat Valley. The massive flooding demolished roads and bridges, displaced hundreds of people, washed away farm lands and orchards and erased water channels.

Jirga president Mukhtiar Yousuf Zai said, “In spite of the huge loss, the government has been unable to step up, which is a great tragedy for the nation.”

“We express sympathy with all those who have experienced either financial or human loss, and demand of the provincial and central government and appeal to the International community to step forward to help the flood affected people of Swat and other parts of the country.”

They also expressed sorrow over the shortage of food items and medicines and said, “As the upper Swat, Matta and Kabal tehsils are cut off from lower Swat, there is a severe shortage of food items and medicines which is becoming critical with each passing day, creating famine in the area.”

“We demand that concrete steps be taken to help the flood survivors under a crystal clear mechanism. The people of upper Swat must be provided with enough food, clean drinking water and medicines to avoid a large number of casualties.”

Condemning the visits of higher officials he said, “Reconstruction of bridges and communication systems must be taken care of on emergency basis.”

They also demanded immediate restoration of electricity in Swat and asked the government to reconstruct the houses that had washed away in the floods.

Participants of the jigra  warned the government to fully utilise the aid coming in for the flood victims or else they would be forced to stage protests.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2010.