ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has decided to donate a day’s food ration to the drought-hit people of Thar desert in Sindh as the relief activities intensified on the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday.
According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman, the ration would be delivered at the doorstep of every affected family in each village of Tharparker. The ration would be sufficient for 15 days for the family.
Most areas of Sindh province’s Tharparkar district are facing a famine-like situation and at least 32 malnourished children are reported to have died. About 175,000 families are reported to have been affected and some of them have been forced to leave their homes and move to barrage areas.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting earlier today to identify the reasons of delay in the distribution of aid to Thar. He asked Sindh Chief Secretary, Chaudhry Mohammad Aijaz, to submit a report within three days affixing responsibility on institutions and individuals for the situation.
Pakistani armed forces have also increased number of medical camps from six to nine in Mithi, Islamkot, Diplo, Virawah, Nagarparkar, Chachro and Khinser. Mobile medical and food supply teams have also reached far flung areas of Danahi, Majhniti and Goths of Chachro.
Army medical teams including lady doctors and child specialists are working and have treated 7,139 patients during last three days. 240 tons of rations have been distributed so far as well, said the spokesman.
He informed that senior military officials are constantly supervising the relief activities.