Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday directed Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to expedite relief operations in the rain-hit areas of the province and provide a comprehensive report on the damage caused by the recent downpours.
The PPP chairman emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, particularly in Sukkur and Larkana divisions, which he noted have once again borne the brunt of climate change-induced extreme weather.
He urged the provincial administration to ensure the immediate drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas in these divisions to prevent further devastation.
Expressing concern over reports of a breach in a dam in Khairpur district, the PPP chairman called for an immediate inquiry into the matter. He stressed the importance of minimizing damage and providing prompt assistance to the affected population.
"The Sindh Relief and Rehabilitation Department, along with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), must take full responsibility for assisting those impacted by the rains," Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, instructing them to compile a detailed report on the extent of the damage and the ongoing relief efforts across the province, with particular focus on Sukkur, Larkana, and Khairpur.
He further assured that the Pakistan People's Party would not abandon the victims of the rain and would continue to support them during these difficult times.
Emergency Meeting on Rain Situation
Earlier, an emergency meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to assess the rain situation across the province. The meeting was attended by key provincial ministers, senior officials, and representatives of various agencies.
During the briefing, Sukkur Commissioner Fayyaz Abbasi informed the chief minister that Sukkur had recorded the highest rainfall, followed by Dadu and Jacobabad. The drainage of rainwater, he said, was being hampered by power outages at pumping stations.
Deputy Commissioner Sukkur, MB Dhariju, reported that the city had experienced four spells of rain in the past 24 hours, with a total of 263 mm of rainfall recorded.
Senior provincial officials, including Provincial Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Planning and Development Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, and others, were present at the meeting. They discussed the ongoing relief efforts and measures needed to address the challenges posed by the heavy rains.
CM Murad Ali Shah also highlighted the environmental initiatives being undertaken at the Chief Minister’s House, including the replacement of plastic bottles with glass jugs as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste.
He called on all departments to contribute towards environmental conservation as part of their broader responsibilities.
