This is with reference to your article, 'Let them die' by Kamal Siddiqi
KARACHI: This is with reference to your article, “Let them die” by Kamal Siddiqi, published on March 14.
Even our greatest political opponents in Thar, backed by the establishment, have not accused us of supplying wheat of “very poor quality”. Not a single complaint has been received by or presented in the courts as evidence of the supply of any bags infested with insects or unfit for human consumption.
The wheat distribution programme had reached a figure of 100,569 bags of 100kgs as of the evening of March 13. This programme is now in its eighth phase since the last two years and provides free wheat to a population of approximately 1.3 million, out of a total population of 1.6 million. Due to the development work undertaken in Thar, and the relief work, there is, of course, large-scale migration to the district. The population has increased. Real estate prices in cities have multiplied and there is a need to expand the programme since most migrants are unskilled workers.
The death of even a single child warrants action from the government. However, when highly exaggerated figures are given in the propaganda campaign against the government, the chief minister and the relevant minister have to come out with correct figures. It is unfortunate that the mere correction of figures is being painted as our callousness by quarters bent on defaming us.
Thar and at least eight other districts in Sindh have been suffering from chronic malnutrition and poverty for a very long period. I have proposed to the honourable health minister to brief the media once again about the steps that have already been taken and the ones that have been planned for the long term. I do hope these will find some space in your esteemed newspaper.
You have been pleased to repeatedly use some very derogatory words for the elected chief minister of Sindh. I can only submit with due respect that the contents of your contempt-motivated article are grossly incorrect. Thar, which had always voted for candidates backed by the establishment, has given the PPP a sweeping victory in the last local government election. These are people who have seen and experienced the change that has been brought about. There are shortcomings as there are in any programme. We continue to monitor and resolve these shortcomings together with taking new initiatives. I do trust that the present level of support of the people of Thar for the PPP shall continue long after I am gone.
Taj Haider
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2016.
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