ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The federal minister for defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday called upon all the political parties to respond to the current flood crisis without politicizing it.
“It is a national tragedy and leaders from all political shades must rise to the occasion and demonstrate unity for the assistance of the affectees,” the minister said while giving a briefing to the joint sitting of the parliament about the flood situation.
The minister said that despite limited resources, the government is making all out efforts for the relief and assistance of the people affected by rains and floods. He said that all the flood related agencies are working beyond their capacity and resources to tackle the situation.
The defence minister said while giving an overview of damages caused by flash floods that 128 people have been killed in rain related incidents in different cities.
Khawaja Asif said the floods have partially damaged 1,242 houses while completely sweeping away 191 houses. He said that 1,053 villages have been affected by the rains and floods while standing crops on 325,000 have also been damaged.
The minister said that the floods have affected a population of about 436,000 while over 18,200 people have been evacuated. He said that 2,000 people are living in relief camps, adding that over 450 health centers have been established for the flood affectees.
Moreover, the minister said that the concerned agencies including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district administrations are working tirelessly to cope with the flood situation.
