Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif distributing aid among the needy in Mithi on March 10, 2014. PHOTO: PID
The calamity has so far claimed lives of around 100 children. The prime minister visited the area to meet the affected people and oversee the relief work.
During a briefing on the situation in the district, Prime Minister Nawaz stressed that the Sindh government should fix responsibility and punish those found guilty of negligence.
He further asked Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah to chalk out a policy to avoid such damage in the future. “We need to find the root cause of the problem and prevent it,” the prime minister said.
Comparing the living conditions of Cholistan with Tharparkar, the prime minister questioned why there was a huge difference in the quality of life in the two deserts despite having identical environment.
While speaking during the briefing, Chief Minister Shah informed the prime minister that distribution of relief goods was fair and transparent.
Shah said teams consisting of local representatives, journalists and respected residents of the area will be formed to oversee relief efforts and ensure fairness.
The chief minister said that the main health-related problem in the area was a lack of female doctors. “We have decided to pay female doctors twice as much salary as they earn in cities and provide them with transport and other facilities,” he said.
He further assured the premier that his government has formed a policy to efficiently handle this issue and prevent it in future.
According to sources, there is a possibility that Sindh Food Minister Jam Mehtab Dahar and Provincial Revenue Minister Makhdoom Jameeluz Zaman may be removed from their positions, Express News reported.
Public nuisance
Prime Minister Nawaz took notice of the strict security measures taken to protect him during his visit to Tharparkar.
The security protocol caused trouble to the people of Mithi as access to a local hospital was blocked.
Bilawal visits
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also visited the district hospital in Mithi on Monday, Express News reported.
Accompanied by Sindh Minister for Information and Local Government Sharjeel Inam Memon, Bilawal met with and spoke to patients and their families.
Imran Khan criticises
Criticising the Sindh government for neglecting Tharparkar and focusing on the Sindh Festival, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan said that the “feudal mindset operates on gimmicks”.
He was speaking to the media in Lahore.
“Who is responsible for the deaths in Tharparkar? Is anyone going to be punished for it?” he asked.
He held the government responsible for the current state of affairs in the country, particularly terrorism.
Relief work
The Pakistan Army has established four medical camps at Diplo‚ Chachro‚ Mithi and Nagarpakar to provide healthcare facilities to malnourished and sick children, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.
Sindh Food Department has so far distributed over eight million kilograms of wheat in Mithi‚ Islamkot‚ Diplo‚ Chachhro and Nagarparkar, while the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Government has sent fifteen truck-loads of food items and medicines to Mithi.
Pakistan Islamic Medical Association has expedited its medical relief activities in Tharparkar by establishing medical camps in Mithi and several villages. The Association has started an ambulance service between Deplo‚ Islam Kot and Mithi to provide emergency services to drought-affected people.
According to Radio Pakistan, The World Food Programme has also offered life-saving medicines to famine-affected people of Tharparkar.
Government officials transferred
Several influential government officials have been able to secure transfers out of Tharparkar district to avoid responsibility of the famine situation, Express News reported Monday evening.
The Sindh government has already issued transfer notifications to this end.
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Nawaz Sharif is the only hope for Pakistan. I did not vote for PML N in May 13 elections.. If somebody is doing good, that must be appreciated. But some people have to criticize at all cost. My next vote for PML N.
I endorse Ch. Allah Dad. Where is PTI at this critical incident in Sindh.
@Ajab Khan Baloch: with ajrak and topi they fool Sindhis who love to be fooled by these corrupt waderas just because these are also Sindhi
@Gangstapk: what about Zardari the masters of Sindhis? They have palaces all around the world and zardari junior has already reached his palace in dubai???
@Roma: what about 300 crores for bilawal zardari festival while no money for transportation of wheat among dying Tharris???
@Flint: no problem just a minor thing that hundreds of Sindhi children dying while Sindhis' love bilawal zardari celebrating sind festival
@Ch. Allah Daad ..That pretty much explains your understanding.
Shame ,shame,shame.Shame Now the waderas , Government and all high ups will play the blame game
......and this too shall pass. The necessary drama is being played out, few people will be shifted around and life will continue as before. Democracy Pakistan style was never and will never be for the people.
It is a bit late after 100 children's death. Gesture is worth applaud though, better late than never.
People in Tharparkar will be lucky if they receive even 10% of this 1 billion.
Allah bless Nawaz Sharif. May give him health, prosperity and long life. Aameen.
Sindhi public has died. But Bhutto is still alive. Awam Mar Gai Lekin Bhutto Aaj Bhi Zinda Hai.
There is not much difference between Imran's KP government and PPP's Sindh government. In Sindh people are dying of hunger and malnutrition while in KP people are dying with bombs and bullets.
@Roma: 100 billions are for youth of Pakistan. Maryam is the honest custodian of the money.
How come Bilawal was not wearing Ajrak in the meeting in Mithi and did not say a work.Super sain needs to take Red Bull and get into action for Sind
strong textHazrat Umar said if a dog dies with hunger and thirst under his rule Allah will question him The current rulers?
Leaders from other parties visit Tharparkar. While "Imran Khan criticizes" while visiting Lahore. How convenient.
The humanitarian crisis in the drought-stricken Tharparkar has caught everybody’s attention because of media efforts. It is hard to imagine the pain and suffering of those who have lost their loved ones. We are extremely saddened to hear about the loss of lives in Tharparkar. Our deepest and most heartfelt prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation. The government of Pakistan has taken full notice, and it seems that efforts are ongoing to help those in need. We will continue to pray for those who have been affected, and sincerely hope to see the situation improve as soon as possible.
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
1 billion for Thar, 100 billion for Maryam (youth loans)
@Flint: No they don't. They are forced to vote for PPP because their life depends on it.
Sindhis love bilawal ppp, any problem ?
This is good - But there should be someone held responsible for the deaths already occurred, At least someone should be resigned / fired If not hanged.... Plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Corrupt thugs in sind government would be gloating for this money as well
We are blessed to have such a kind hearted Prime Minister. Long live Nawaz Sharif.
if the money is given through the sind government these corrupt peoples party people will eat it instead of giving it to Tharri people
People have a habit of trying desi totkas first and go to the doctors only as the last resort. In the case of children that is usually too late. It is not the case of malnutrition but negligence as pointed out by credible authors like Javed Jabbar.
Lets pray that every penny reaches the poor. Employments should be created for them. Good move though. Sindh government should be brought to court.
With new found autonomy and lack of checks n balance after 18 amendment,Sindh govt is busy with loot and plunder full throttle. Sindhis died of acute malnutrition while our wannabe desi nero saeen danced on their skeletons in billion rupees Sindh festival gimmick.
bilawal bhutto aapko aid deygah (in bbz urdu accent). PPP are a complete and utter failure.
Hope that the aid is properly used and distributed to needy people... All these politician need publicity