The President of PTI Sindh and former Leader of the Opposition Provincial Assembly of Sindh Haleem Adil Sheikh, has written a letter to the Chief Minister of Sindh, expressing serious concerns over the widespread devastation caused by recent heavy rains across the province. Sheikh highlighted the failures of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Relief Department, and the Irrigation Department in effectively responding to the catastrophic impacts of the continuous downpours.
In his letter, Sheikh emphasized the alarming situation in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad Division, where vast areas of standing crops have been submerged under rainwater. This, he noted, threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers and poses a significant risk to food security in the region. Despite the urgency, he pointed out a concerning lack of coordination and effort from the relevant authorities to provide timely relief and drainage.
The letter also raised concerns about Karachi’s inadequate drainage system, which was once again exposed by the recent heavy storm, as predicted by the Meteorological Department. Sheikh criticized the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Sindh Government for failing to clean the rainwater drainage channels, resulting in severe urban flooding that has caused significant hardship for citizens and damage to public and private property.
Sheikh called for immediate and effective intervention across Sindh, urging the Chief Minister to take the following actions without delay:
Activation of PDMA and Relief Departments: Ensure that these departments are fully activated and equipped to provide immediate relief to the affected population.
Drainage of Floodwaters: Mobilize resources to drain the rainwater from submerged areas, particularly in agricultural regions, to prevent further damage to crops and rural infrastructure.
Restoration of Urban Drainage Systems: Take immediate steps to clear and restore Karachi’s drainage systems to prevent further urban flooding and protect the lives and properties of citizens.
Initiate Immediate Relief Activities: The Sindh Government should launch emergency relief activities, including the provision of food supplies, temporary shelters, medical assistance, and other necessary support to alleviate the suffering of the people during this crisis.
Sheikh underscored that the people of Sindh have endured enough and urged the government to act decisively to address these pressing issues. As the President of PTI Sindh and a former Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly, Sheikh reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the people of Sindh during this critical time. He called on the Chief Minister to prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens by taking swift and decisive action to prevent any avoidable disasters.
The letter concludes with Sheikh’s expectation for a prompt response and immediate action from the Chief Minister.