Opposition urges Centre to announce relief package for Balochistan

QUETTA:

Opposition parties in Balochistan Assembly have demanded of the federal government to announce a comprehensive relief package for the province, adding that Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) should end photo sessions and start practical work.

“The entire infrastructure has been destroyed in Balochistan in the flash floods,” Malik Sikandar Advocate, the opposition leader in Balochistan Assembly told a news conference on Wednesday at his chamber.

Malik Naseer Shahwani, the parliamentary leader of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), and other opposition leaders were also present on the occasion.

Flash floods after heavy downpours have caused widespread destruction across Balochistan in the past few months.

The death toll in rainrelated incidents rose to 230 in the province on Tuesday. Director General PDMA, Naseer Ahmed Nasar said 67 children are also among the dead.

“PDMA should end photo sessions and do something practical to help the flood victims in the province,” Malik Sikandar Advocate said.

He said floods have caused massive destruction everywhere in the province and an out of the box response was needed.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Naseer Shahwani said that floods and rains have displaced thousands of people throughout the province.

He said the government has failed to provide timely support to the flood-affected people in Balochistan which is unfortunate.