Rs 1.08 billion released so far: 100,000 ration bags distributed in Karachi, 350,000 in interior Sindh: Imtiaz

The Sindh government has released Rs1.08 billion for the distribution of ration bags and till Saturday over 100,000 ration bags were distributed in Karachi and more than 350,000 bags in interior Sindh.

This was disclosed by Sindh Minister for Energy Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh who has been given the task to monitor the ration distribution system in the province.

Imtiaz said this is a centralized system, no involvement of politics and ration is being distributed through all the Deputy Commissioners.

When asked that the opposition claims these Deputy Commissioners are corrupt, the minister said if they were corrupt why the federal government gave them the task to distribute Rs12,000 cash under the Ehsaas Programme.

He said the Chief Minister was personally monitoring the distribution system and in such serious crisis some flaws may be reported but the DCs have to be given some time to check the authenticity.

Imtiaz said the government was fully aware of the problems of the people due to soft lockdown which continues since more than 28 days and we are facing the virus challenge which has gripped the world even the superpower America.

He said Sindh government has limited resources and needs more funds from the Center to provide ration to the needy.

When asked traders are mounting pressure to open the markets, he said if we open the markets, the area there will get crowded and who will be responsible if the virus spreads.

Imtiaz said for the chief minister human life is more important than opening the markets.

About opening of the markets, he said it will be decided Saturday night.

Imtiaz said lockdown has been suggested by the team of doctors and it is not the decision of the CM. He added that we are also trying to provide PPEs to doctors and paramedical staff for their safety.

He urged masses to stay indoors for their as well as others' safety.