The opposition on Monday strongly flayed the government over its failure in taking measures to avert heavy damage of life and property in the face of imminent floods following heavy spell of monsoon rains.
Speaking on an adjournment motion moved jointly by the opposition, several members called for a special relief package for the victims and compensation for their losses.
Over a dozen MNAs from both sides spoke on the adjournment motion, which continued for about two hours. Among those who participated in the debate included Dr Ataur Rehman (MMA), Raja Pervez Ashraf (PPPP), Minister for Communication Shamim Siddiqui, Khuda Bakhsh Nizamani PML(Q), Sahibzada Fazal Karim PML(N), Ghulam Murtaza Satti (PPP-P), Muhammad Hussain Mehanti (MMA), Hafiz Hussain Ahmad (MMA), and Dr Azra Fazal (PPPP).
An observation of the communication Minster, Shamim Siddiqui that in Mardan, lives were lost because the people had built their houses under the bridge, came in for sharp criticism from some members.
The opposition said that government always makes tall claims of working for the prosperity of the people but this has been completely exposed in the wake of the monsoon floods. They contended that the disaster is not something new or unexpected. Every year the monsoon causes heavy losses to life, infrastructure, crops and livestock. They said this is the failure of the present regime.
Dr Ataur Rehman from Mardan, which suffered heavy loss of life as a bridge collapsed, said that good governance has been tested during the emergency situation. He questioned government claims that it has resources and machinery to fight the emergency.
He demanded of the government to hold an inquiry into the incident. The people, he said should be compensated better as the amount of Rs 100,000 for their rehabilitation is very small.
Blaming the government for not sending relief in time, he praised non-governmental organisations like Al-Khidmat Foundation, Jamatul Dawah, Jamaat-i-Islami, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and others for their timely relief activities in Mardan.
He denounced the allegation of the Minister for Communication Shamim Siddiqui, who had said during his speech that people had made houses under the bridge, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives. The MNA hit back saying that he is the resident of Mardan, "I know the facts, there were no houses constructed under the bridge, government should not try to cover its weaknesses."
MNA, Raja Pervez Ashraf of PPP while criticising the government on the motion, said that the government is not allowing the opposition's Nazims to take part in the relief efforts, fearing their popularity.
Khuda Bakhsh Nizamani said that in his constituency Sanghar much damaged by rains could have been averted if there were canals in the area. He advocated building of small and medium dams for water storage, which would help irrigate thousand acres of barren land and also prevent flood.
Sahibzada Fazal Karim was of the view that government should introduce small housing schemes of 3 to 4 marlas for homeless people who are forced to live under the bridges.
Murtaza Satti criticised the government for not giving compensation to the genuine people as in the case of Kotli Sattyian, Murree etc.
Muhammad Hussain Mehanti spoke on the miseries of the people following heavy downpour in Karachi. Most residential areas of Karachi are under knee deep water and roads were also inundated paralysing the life in the metropolis.
He added 25 to 30 lives were lost due to electrocution. He said that a judicial commission should investigate the shortcomings of the administration.
Dr Azra Afzal suggested that bridges should have been repaired much before the flood season and canals should have been desilted. Crying over the spilt milk was of no use, she added.
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