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Published 12 Sep, 2022 05:16pm

Sharjeel Memon accuses PTI of running propaganda against flood donations

All the legal entities and interior ministry should take action against the PTI for apparently running propaganda over flood donations, Sharjeel Memon, the Sindh information minister, said.

“Enough is enough,” he said while addressing a press conference that centred around the provincial cabinet decisions on flood relief efforts and a social media campaign. “This is dirty politics. No one can harm you as much as ‘Shaitaan’ Imran Khan can. If the PTI member has the audacity then come, and defend this act of shame on which they were caught publicly.”

The minister continued to address the presser despite the power breakdown. People used flashlights to focus on the minister.

Memon’s criticism came after many people shared pictures of relief aid being apparently sold in shops rather than going to flood victims. Donors and international charity organisations were tagged in such tweets.

Reacting to this, the National Disaster Management Authority clarified that there was no authenticity in the news circulating on social media about the selling flour bags received from the United Kingdom.

“As Govt of Pakistan & NDMApak has not received any aid from the United Kingdom containing/consisting of flour bags,” it tweeted.

The Sindh information minister claimed that all the political leadership was busy helping the flood-hit people, however, the PTI was “busy in such campaigns”. It advised the former ruling party to restrain from it.

“This was not an expression of freedom, I appeal to federal and provincial governments, FIA and all authorities to take strict action against those who were involved in this campaign. They should be arrested immediately. I will personally file a petition against him in the Sindh High Court.”

Continuing his accusations against the PTI, he wondered about the intention behind such developments. He alleged that flood victims were the latest in Imran Khan’s list of disliked people after “some people” in state institutions.

“What kind of politics is this? This is a war against the nation’s welfare.”

A look at Sindh’s relief efforts

  • 163,416 tents distributed
  • 201,141 mosquito nets distributed
  • 350,168 ration bags given
  • Distribution of ration will be done on the ‘Union Council basis’ after the survey
  • A 24/7 toll number for healthcare concerns will be launched. People can call and consult regarding any health issues or diseases with the team of health specialists. Private hospitals requested to cooperate.
  • Free medication and doctor facilities will be provided through the helpline
  • ‘Mobile health clinics’ for flood victims would be introduced
  • Wheat support price changes from Rs2,000 to Rs4,000 in order to encourage and help farmers for cultivating wheat for next year.
  • Army technical engineers and the irrigation department to analyse the situation of Jhuddo and Mirpurkhas for water drainage

“The government might have to take more difficult decisions to cope with the flood crisis,” Sharjeel said.

Sharing details of the dams, he said that 1,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water inflow was recorded at the Guddu Barrage. The outflow stood at 156,000 cusecs.

Around 177,700 cusecs of water inflow and 176,100 cusecs of outflow was recorded at the Sukkur Barrage.

“The outflow of water at Kotri barrage is 600,000 cusecs. It is taking more time than our expectations. Dewatering process and making cuts depend on this water outflow. That’s why it is taking more time.”

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