Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday directed dispatch of relief goods for the people affected by floods in areas adjacent to the River Chenab in Punjab and asked for similar measures to meet any eventuality downstream in Sindh.
The Prime Minister, just before his departure on a six-day visit to Germany and Italy, visited the Cabinet Secretariat's Emergency Relief Cell and directed that the relief goods be dispatched immediately to the affected areas.
Shaukat Aziz was informed that a convoy of 12 trucks with relief goods worth Rs five million, including 2100 ration packs comprising different food items, tents, blankets and other assorted items was ready to be dispatched.
In a brief chat with the newsmen on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the government was trying to mitigate the sufferings of the people affected by the floods.
He said owing to long-term measures, the damages have been minimal, but said more efforts were underway to ensure that the extent of damages in future is far less.
Shaukat Aziz said the timely completion of the repair work of the Sukkur Barrage was also helpful and no severe damage has been reported.
He said the government has earlier dispatched relief goods for the NWFP and added that he has directed the authorities to provide relief goods if required in Sindh.
The Prime Minister was appreciative of the relief and rescue services provided by the army, police and the Rangers, besides the local authorities' timely evacuation the people.