PM orders transparent inquiry into heatwave deaths

Orders officials to complete Karachi drinking water project, K-4 within two years


Hafeez Tunio July 01, 2015
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attending a high level meeting in Karachi on Wednesday. PHOTO: PID

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered a transparent inquiry against those responsible for the heatwave deaths in Karachi.

“The incident was unprecedented in the history of Karachi and all departments negligent in performing their duties must be held accountable in a transparent manner,” Nawaz said during a meeting at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House.

Read: Sweltering Karachi: Fact-finding committee set up as death toll rises

Expressing grief and sorrow over heatstroke deaths in Karachi the prime minister said, “The whole country sympathises with the affected people in this hour of grief.”



PHOTO: PID

He ordered officials to complete Karachi drinking water project, K-4, within two years and also promised to release Rs10 billion to the Sindh government in this regard.

The prime minister was informed that more than 65,000 patients were admitted in Karachi hospitals during this period out of which about 1,250 lost their lives.

Further, the PM ordered to form a committee comprising federal and provincial government officials to monitor federal government’s funded projects in Sindh. The committee will submit progress reports to the premier on monthly bases.

Read: Karachi operation ‘to go on come what may’

The prime minister was on a day-long visit to Karachi. He was received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah upon his arrival at Karachi airport. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, among others accompanied the premier.

He was scheduled to fly to Karachi on Monday but he was advised to get input from the military.

Read: PM Nawaz postpones Karachi visit

Qaim briefs media

In a media briefing after PM's visit to Karachi on Wednesday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah claimed the prime minister lauded efforts of the Sindh government during the deadly heatwave in the province.

“Provincial ministers apprised the PM regarding events that followed the heatwave and our efforts to tackle the crisis,” Qaim said.

The chief minister termed heatstroke deaths a ‘cumulative effect’ pointing out that power load-shedding played a major role in the deaths of so many people.

Meanwhile, Qaim informed journalists that Karachi’s development projects also came under discussion with the prime minister who promised to release the much needed funds for city’s development works.

“Prime minister also advised Sindh government to expedite works on Karachi's development projects and said the Centre will contribute an equal amount of funds for the city's development works as the Sindh government,” said the chief minister.

COMMENTS (13)

kehkashan | 8 years ago | Reply Wish and hope this is not the narration only.
Avtar | 8 years ago | Reply "Transparent" as opposed to...... Of course, the report in its title will "transparent" findings.
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