Permanent solution to Karachi's civic issues in offing: PM Imran

The prime minister said, “We will not abandon the people of Karachi in their time of crisis.”

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said he was personally monitoring the relief and rescue operations in Karachi and would announce a plan for a permanent solution to the metropolitan’s civic problems.

“We will be announcing a plan for a permanent solution to the problems caused by floods by cleaning of nullahs, fixing of the sewage system & resolving the huge challenge of water supply to the people of Karachi,” the prime minister said in a series of tweets.

Have directed Chairman NDMA to immediately not only rescue stranded ppl, but also provide emergency medical assistance, food & shelter to all those in need. I have also asked NDMA Chairman to ensure restoration of utilities on an emergency basis.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 27, 2020

The prime minister said, “We will not abandon the people of Karachi in their time of crisis.”

He directed the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure restoration of utilities in the flooded city on an emergency basis.

“[I] Have directed Chairman NDMA to immediately not only rescue stranded people but also provide emergency medical assistance, food and shelter to all those in need,” he said.

We will be announcing a plan for a permanent solution to the problems caused by floods by cleaning of nullahs, fixing of the sewage system & resolving the huge challenge of water supply to the ppl of Karachi. We will not abandon the people of Karachi in their time of crisis.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 27, 2020

Imran Khan said his government was fully cognizant of the sufferings of people of Karachi in the wake of heavy rains.

He mentioned that he was in constant contact with Chairman NDMA and Governor Sindh for regular updates of the situation.

Earlier today, the prime minister while expressing concerns over torrential rains in Karachi and other parts of Sindh said that the federal government will not leave the people of Karachi alone in this difficult situation.

PM Imran Khan telephoned Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and expressed concern over the recent rains in the metropolis that has disturbed the normal life.

The premier ordered Imran Ismail to speed up relief efforts in rain-hit areas of the city and moved stranded people to safety. He also directed to provide food to people affected by torrential rains.

Later, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, in a Tweet, said PM Imran Khan is monitoring the situation that has arisen in Karachi due to the torrential rains.

“Briefed PM Imran Khan over Sindh rain situation, Karachi needs special attention. This is unusual and abnormal rain situation which requires an emergency response. PM is monitoring the situation and assured to take any action required,” tweeted Ismail.

It is pertinent here to mention that the provincial government has failed to drain out water from low-lying areas as intermittent monsoon rain continues to lash Karachi and containers started floating in rainwater on inundated roads in Sea Breeze area.

According to details, the downpour has been reported in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Johar, Federal B Area, Defence,PunjabColony, Delhi Colony, Hassan Square, Golimar, North Karachi, North Nazimabad and Chowrangi while University Road, Taroq Road, PECHS Society and Shaheed Millat Road have also received the monsoon shower.

Amid the current spell, several roads in Surjani Town, Yousaf Goth, Abdul Raheem Goth and Dada Bhai Town are still submerged in the water.

Streets and homes were flooded with sewage water in Karachi, where the city’s outdated drainage and waste systems were overwhelmed by another spell of heavy rain.

Troops, rescuers and volunteers were evacuating people from inundated residential neighborhoods in Karachi as some families waded through waist-high water. Hundreds of people were forced to take shelter in the houses of relatives in the country’s largest city.

Scores of vehicles were submerged in water in Karachi.