Sharif blasts govt’s ‘lethargic response’

Says the govt deliberately delayed relief to victims in order to procure foreign aid.

HYDERABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif concluded a two-day visit to the flood-hit districts of Sindh on a note of disapproval, critising the government over its ‘lethargic response’ towards the victims. Sharif pointed out flaws in the disaster management efforts made by the government and reiterated his disapproval against seeking donors’ help for relief and rehabilitation operations.

“The government has the resources and the capacity to effectively address the situation,” he said at a press conference in Sanghar on Thursday.

Unlike his last visit to Sindh during which he was less than critical, Sharif, this time, blasted the government for deliberately delaying relief to victims in order to ‘increase prospects of obtaining greater foreign aid’.

“The prime minister has Rs29 billion, while the information ministry has Rs9 billion in discretionary funds. This amount should be utilised for assisting the affected people,” Sharif said.

The PML-N chief said the government would not need foreign aid if it avoided spending on luxuries. “Sanghar is an example of the government’s lethargic response,” he said.

During his trip, Sharif visited relief camps and met displaced people on roads in various areas of Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Mirpurkhas and Sanghar districts.

He assured the flood-stricken people that his visits would continue until they were rehabilitated. “I promised this during my last visit and I am promising it again,” he said. He added that the purpose of his visit is to make the people of Sindh realise that they are not alone and that ‘their leadership stands with them in their difficult time’.

Earlier on Wednesday, Sharif inaugurated a relief camp in Mirpurkhas and announced financial assistance, clothes and food supplies for 12,000 affected people at the camp.

The PML-N, according to the party’s provincial leader Advocate Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, has set up 18 tent cities called ‘Sharif City’ in the flood hit districts. The number, he added, will increase to 55.

“The party, from its own resources, has collected ration and other supplies to be provided over the next five months in these camps,” Hashmi told The Express Tribune. The camps, which will accommodate some 700 affected people each, will also provide health facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd,  2011.