MQM-P demands Hyd mayor'sremoval over dengue spread

MNA claims actual death toll much higher because govt only has data from state-run hospital

HYDERABAD:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has demanded the resignation of Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro, citing his failure to curb the spread of dengue in the city. At a late-night press conference at Hyderabad Press Club, MNA Syed Waseem Hussain urged President Asif Ali Zardari to remove Shoro, accusing him of corruption and negligence.

Joined by MNA Abdul Aleem Khanzada and MPA Rashid Khan Advocate, Hussain blamed the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HWSC) for poor performance and alleged widespread corruption.

"He posts videos on social media thinking he's done great work, while the city suffers," Hussain said, criticizing Shoro and other local government officials for shirking their responsibilities.

Hussain claimed the actual dengue death toll is far higher than reported, as government statistics only reflect cases from state-run hospitals. "I personally know hundreds infected," he said, adding that fear and panic have gripped the public.

MPA Rashid Khan highlighted the seasonal nature of dengue, which peaks from mid-September to November, and stressed the importance of regular fumigation every five to ten days during this period. He emphasized that effective dengue control requires preemptive measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and adhering to technical SOPs for spray coverage.

Despite hospitals establishing dengue wards, Khan noted a severe shortage of beds and medical staff. He criticized the government's reluctance to fill around 4,500 vacant posts at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad's largest tertiary care facility. He said house-job doctors, lacking experience, are temporarily covering these gaps.

Khan also condemned the performance of local government representatives from both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that PTI-led areas like City and Latifabad show no improvement. "