LAHORE: Pakistan People's Party leaders Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed and Syed Hassan Murtaza have strongly criticized the government over recent flood devastation and its far-reaching impacts, expressing serious concerns about the administration's handling of the crisis.

 

During a press conference in Lahore, the leaders stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited Kasur and met directly with affected farmers. They criticized the government for unnecessary delays in declaring an emergency and for delaying appeals for international aid during the crucial first 72 hours, while the Chief Minister of Punjab explicitly stated he would not appeal for international assistance.

 

Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed warned that Pakistan ranked third globally for negative impacts of climate change in 2024 but has now moved to first place. He described widespread destruction and devastation around the Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers. Multiple tehsils in Punjab have been completely destroyed, and the situation is so severe that three consecutive years of Punjab's budget would be insufficient to compensate for the losses. He expressed regret that crops are buried under four to five feet of sand, and the Sutlej River experienced its first flood of this nature in history, carrying more than 350,000 cusecs of water on three occasions.

 

Referencing cash assistance provided to displaced persons from Swat in 2008, Chaudhry Manzoor demanded immediate cash aid for current flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Program. He argued that no self-respecting person can stand in long queues for aid and questioned whether anything beyond relief supplies distribution had been accomplished. He suggested providing assistance through village-level compilation and assessment, offering farmers appropriate compensation for crops, similar to what Benazir Bhutto had done during her government.

 

The party leader severely criticized the government, alleging unacceptable delays in appealing for international aid and providing funds to victims. He also demanded an independent audit of 2023 flood funds. He informed that the People's Party has submitted resolutions regarding floods in the National Assembly and Senate, stating the party's position to limit itself to constructive suggestions during the current flood situation. The party also announced plans to hold a major farmers' convention.

 

In his address, Syed Hassan Murtaza clarified that the People's Party does not want to spread division or discord. He stated that Pakistan is suffering punishment for others' crimes, calling it extremely unfortunate that those facing floods may never have seen so much water in their daily lives. He explained that merely rescuing flood victims from water does not constitute a complete rescue operation, as livestock suffers the greatest losses.

 

Hassan Murtaza attributed the situation to incorrect planning. While natural disasters cannot be completely prevented, federal and Punjab governments have failed in flood management. He noted that Sindh experienced less damage compared to the past due to better arrangements, where the Sindh government timely opened water channels and provided assistance of 2.1 million rupees per household to flood victims.

 

He emphasized that they do not need government flour, charity, or any form of charitable aid. The situation has forced people onto streets, with seventy percent of crops belonging to farmers owning hundreds of acres now underwater, and sugarcane, corn, and rice crops completely destroyed. He stated that waiving electricity bills for just one month is no joke, arguing that at least six months of electricity bills should be forgiven.

 

Continuing criticism of the government, he said authorities listen to intermediary traders and brokers rather than farmers. He revealed that items costing 20,000 rupees in India cost 60,000 rupees in Pakistan, highlighting vast price differences between the two countries for agricultural commodities and other goods.

 

Chaudhry Manzoor expressed concern that the government is closing the Agricultural Development Bank, PASSCO, and Utility Stores, despite these institutions proving extremely useful during disasters like floods. He praised the media's efforts, stating they worked day and night and continue their work. He noted that victims' real problems are just beginning, and the government has delayed significantly, failing to take immediate measures that could have been implemented for the public.

 

In conclusion, he stated that the government has begun selling important food security institutions. In a country like Pakistan, the state should maintain a strong role to protect national interests. The press conference was attended by Faisal Mir, Rana Jawad, Allama Yousaf Awan, Dr. Khayyam Hafeez, Dr. Khalid Javed Jan, Chaudhry Liaqat, and other party leaders.