Flood victims question their share of relief
By Sardar Khan Niazi
The whole nation is handling the consequences of floods and confronting colossal challenges of provision of relief to the flood-hit people, rebuilding infrastructure and households, and rehabilitation of the flood victims across the country. Around seventy percent of districts in the country are now underwater. Overall, a third of Pakistan, or an area roughly the size of the UK is inundated. Official data says that the number of affected districts now stands at 110, including 34 in Baluchistan, 33 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 16 in Sindh, and the rest in Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. The Met Office has predicted even more rains and flash floods this month. Overall, a tendency for normal to above normal precipitation is likely over the country during September, it said in a monthly outlook released. The government sources say that monster monsoon floods have washed away forty-five percent of the country’s cropland, mainly in Sindh. This damaged province being the food basket of the country may bring more shocks in the future. Overall damages stand at $10bn. Millions of people are facing the brunt of flash floods in the shape of loss of lives, infrastructure, and crops. The flood-hit areas face numerous issues related to water drainage, infrastructure breakdown, health and social services, and connectivity with the flood-hit people. The government has also announced monetary compensation for the deceased and financial aid for the flood-hit people to help them resettle their households and restart their normal life, however, the magnitude of the disaster is so big that the government alone could not accomplish this task and needs assistance from all factions of the society. The catastrophic flood waves have already swept away over 1400 lives across the country. However, for most of the remaining 40 million forced out of their homes, there appears little sign of them returning to their routines. Lands, houses, livestock, and even grain stores, everything has been snatched away from them. Most depressing of all has been the flight of hope, leaving their marble eyes expressionless, their faces tear-streaked, and their souls more fragile than ever. One such heart-wrenching video showed a hapless victim praying for her own death, devastated by the toing and froing between relief camps for a morsel of food or a gulp of water. Social workers are repeatedly sounding the alarm bells for those who have escaped spared nature’s wrath might not survive hunger pangs. Quite oblivious to their tale of sorrows, nonsensical statements from leading politicians seem determined to rub salt on the wounds of the hungry, the homeless, and the destitute. That fights over bags of ration have already begun, and the common person has started losing patience are all menacing signs of the chaos knocking on our doors. Protests have also begun in the flood-hit areas. The flood victims are openly questioning their share of the relief fund. The general apathy of many in power, who continue to treat their voters as inferiors and their losses as nothing to worry about, is what has provoked this ongoing wave of mistrust. They may not realize it now, but they are comfortably perched upon a keg of kerosene. A single misstep and the flames would ravage everything in the way. VIP visits and helicopter rides have become a typical policy tool to accelerate emergency relief and show concern and support. The current situation demands the revival of national unity to cope with the destruction and miseries brought by the unprecedented catastrophe. A similar spirit of sacrifice and resilience as shown on Defense Day is required to cope with the grave challenges in the wake of floods. Unity is the greatest strength to deal with challenges effectively.
Hunaid Lakhani, a well-known educator, and politician passes away in Karachi
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Hunaid Lakhani, a businessman and activist for education, passed suddenly from dengue fever on Thursday in a hospital in Karachi. He was the university's founder and chancellor. Lakhani was receiving treatment for dengue virus at a hospital in Karachi, according to people in his family, but he was unable to recover. On Friday following Asr prayers, his funeral prayers will be recited at Masjid-e-Saheem in Khayaban-e-Rahat. Many academics and politicians, including the president of Pakistan, expressed their condolences in the wake of Lakhani's untimely demise. At the inauguration ceremony of Roze News TV channel, Hunaid Lakhani was the special guest of Sardar Khan Niazi Editor in Chief Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Chairman of Roze News.
Pakistan and the United States have had a long history of interactions: FM Bilawal
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: According to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, relations between Pakistan and the US are improving. The presence of US officials in Pakistan during these trying times gives a clear indication of the strength of this partnership, according to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who was speaking to the state media following a meeting with Counselor Derek Chollet of the United States Department of State in Islamabad on Thursday. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his appreciation to the US for standing with Pakistan during the disastrous floods and for its support. He was sure that the two nations would collaborate on broader climate change issues as well as the reconstruction of infrastructure to resist these climatic shocks. Speaking at the event, Counselor Derek Chollet said that the United States has already committed over $30 million in aid to help with the flooding, and that additional announcements will be made soon. He claimed that Pakistan fully understands that this will be a long-term problem. He claimed that Pakistan's long-term ally is the United States. According to Derek Chollet, the globe is paying attention to the terrible floods. He stated that we must assist Pakistan in recovering from the floods. He stated that his nation is eager to cooperate with Pakistan to forge a solid relationship.
Two news stories regarding Imran Niazi that were published in the highly regarded Economist: PM
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The statements we have been making regarding Imran Niazi have been confirmed by two news articles that were published in the highly regarded The Economist, according to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, said on Twitter on Thursday that the magazine's most recent issue claimed Niazi "blew up" the IMF contract and is "exploiting the calamity to make political points." According to PM Shehbaz Sharif, he is trying to damage Pakistan. "Two news articles regarding Imran Niazi that were published in the highly regarded Economist have confirmed what we have been stating. The journal said that Niazi "blew up" the IMF accord and is "using the calamity to win political points" in its most recent issue. He seeks to destabilise Pakistan. Premier Shehbaz Sharif tweeted. The US Secretary of State's senior policy advisor Derek Chollet met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday. He sent his deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Pakistan for the tragic loss of life brought on by the Pakistani riverine floods. The Prime Minister congratulated Derek Chollet for travelling to Pakistan at a time when the nation was suffering from the worst flood in its history, which had left millions of people homeless and afflicted. More than 33 million people had been impacted, more than 1,300 people had died, and irreparable harm had been done to property, key infrastructure, animals, and agriculture, the prime minister continued. The Prime Minister also issued a warning over the potential spread of water-borne illnesses. Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, emphasised that the government was totally committed to the rescue and relief efforts. The Prime Minister emphasised how difficult it would be to rebuild and restore damaged areas. In this situation, Pakistan's long-standing connection with the United States was important. It provided ongoing support, solidarity, and help. The commitment of Pakistan to strengthen and broaden its ties, particularly in the fields of security, health, combating climate change, trade, and investment, was emphasised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He underlined the necessity for two nations to engage in constructive and ongoing dialogue based on the values of respect, trust, and understanding. The Prime Minister urged stepping up worldwide efforts to accomplish climate targets, including mobilising climate financing to better tackle this challenge, while underlining the catastrophic effects of climate change on our planet. The Prime Minister emphasised the value of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan in the context of the region and advocated for the unfreezing of Afghan assets. He also underlined the necessity of greater cooperation with Afghan officials.
Pakistan wants to keep a close relationship with the US: COAS
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: On Thursday, a delegation led by US State Department Counselor Derek H. Chollet met with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the Pakistani army's general headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The discussion covered topics of shared interest, the state of regional security, and bilateral collaboration in numerous domains, according to a statement released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). The COAS stated that Pakistan wants to continue this heritage of bilateral engagement and enduring relationships across multiple domains with the US. Enhancing defence and security cooperation was agreed upon by both parties. The dignitaries who were in town expressed their sorrow over the destruction that the recent floods in Pakistan had caused and extended their deepest condolences to the victims' families. In this time of need, they pledged to support the people of Pakistan. The leaders praised Pakistan for its efforts to maintain stability in the area and promised to play their part in fostering collaboration with Pakistan at all levels.
QUETTA: Federal Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah talking to relatives of missing persons at the protest camp.
Contempt of court case: Famous political analyst Sardar Khan Niazi's advice to Imran Khan
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: According to Sardar Khan Niazi Editor in Chief of Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Chairman of Roze News and a famous political analyst, everyone must follow the law. Imran Khan's legal team should act wisely and take smart decisions and avoid giving bad advice. Because he is a popular leader, the PTI chairman should go to court and seek forgiveness because his political future in clashes with institutions will not be useful. A popular and wise leader chooses words wisely in public gatherings.
Sept 8th is a major milestone in Pakistan Navy history: Naval Chief
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: According to Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, the successful shelling of Dwarka on September 8th is a pivotal moment in Pakistan Navy history. Sailors from the Pakistan Navy shown unwavering bravery and valour during this operation. The Naval Chief stated in his message on Navy Day, which is marked today (Thursday), that it is a day to remember the martyrs and ghazis of the Pakistan Navy who gave their lives in the 1965 War while displaying a steadfast and brave attitude. During Operation Somnaath, a flotilla of seven large warships from the Pakistan Navy aggressively shelled the Indian port of Dwarka and destroyed its radar equipment. He claimed that Pak Navy is aware of regional trends and is constantly in combat ready to deal with any unexpected emergency. According to naval chief, Pakistan Navy is obtaining cutting-edge technologies to transform into a future force that is more flexible, efficient, and long-lasting.
