Daily Times

Sir: Drought is a basic feature of Tharparkar’s climate and has been a constant threat to the lives of the downtrodden and economically vulnerable residents of the area for years. Tharparkar has always been left in a state of utter neglect. Successive governments over six and a half decades of the country’s existence have been least concerned about the utterly dismal living conditions of the residents of this godforsaken region of Sindh. People residing in the deserts of Thar have encountered the menace of drought time and again. Hundreds of men, women and children have lost their lives over the past so many years. Once more this menace has taken a heavy toll on the lives of the oppressed residents of the area, particularly the children. Pakistani media, quoting information disseminated by the Mitthi Taluka Hospital (MTH), says over one hundred children have so far become victims of the drought-induced famine in the short span of three months. However, the figure quoted by those in positions of authority in the province vis-à-vis the fatalities is roughly half the number quoted by the MTH. As reported in the media, 32 children died in the month of February alone due to severe malnutrition. According to figures furnished by the MTH, 38 children admitted there died of undernourishment in December 2013. Forty two lost their lives in January 2014, while 36 and five deaths were reported in February and March 2014 respectively. This state of affairs is not only distressing but also pitiful. The administration, both at provincial and federal levels, has reacted to the situation with a sense of urgency. The Pakistan Army, as always, has swiftly moved in to deal with the crisis that has overwhelmed the region. It has mobilised its medical corps and other services to provide relief to the devastated Thari community. To demonstrate his personal concern over the tragic state of affairs in Thar and ensure that measures are being taken to address the predicament of the disaster-struck residents of the area, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also visited Thar and announced an interim relief fund of Rs one billion for the affected people. This show of concern may be worthy of appreciation, however the fact remains that it is nothing new because it is how matters as crucial as the Thar catastrophe have always been dealt with in this country. Sincere endeavours will have to be made by those in the citadels of power to reform this totally nonprofessional style of governance if we are to ensure sustained and equitable development for all the regions of the country. If this is not done on a war footing, the elimination of poverty in the country will never happen. Catastrophes such as this, or of an even greater magnitude, will continue to occur and will undoubtedly cause even greater devastation in the future if left unchecked.

M FAZAL ELAHI

Islamabad