The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday directed judicial officers of Tharparkar and Umerkot to examine ongoing relief operation in famine-hit districts and collect data regarding death toll due to malnutrition. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Maqbool Baqar gave these directions while hearing a petition filed by non-government organisations seeking action against government functionaries for their criminal negligence in timely distribution of wheat in drought-hit area.
Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum and civil rights campaigner Javed Iqbal Burki jointly filed a petition, stating that most areas of Thar district including Mithi, Chahro, Diplo, Islamkot, and Nangarparkar are facing famine-like situation and over 200, majority of them malnourished children, have died. The petitioners represented by Faisal Siddiqui, said that around 175000 families were reported to have been affected and some of them have been forced to leave their homes due to famine. They stated that situation had not occurred overnight but due to constant negligence by provincial government, adding that Chief Minister Sindh has also admitted to negligence by provincial government.
They said that a large number of deaths because of malnutrition has proven that provincial government has failed to effectively response to Thar tragedy, adding that government have failed in ensuring citizens' right to food and right to be free from starvation and severe malnutrition. They requested the court to order investigation into criminal negligence by government functionaries and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible for Thar tragedy.
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