KARACHI, May 25: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday demanded a probe into the provision of toxic water to the residents of Hyderabad, and the deaths of several people including women and children , saying all responsible including provincial authorities and government functionaries should be accorded exemplary punishments.

PPP leader and former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali shah said in a statement that launching an investigation into the supply of polluted water to the citizens of Hyderabad by provincial authorities would be "useless" as the latter were themselves responsible for the killings of innocent people.

"The provincial government has even failed to bring forth people responsible for the deaths of innocent people in bomb blasts and other terrorist activities in Sindh, especially in Karachi," he said, adding the extent of government's seriousness could be judged from the fact that the Prime Minister was moved no summary by the provincial health ministry.

Criticising the Sindh government, he said, so far 12 people had lost their lives, while several others were seriously injured and the provincial government had even failed to prepare a summary for the treatment and compensation of the deceased and the ill.

"If the government doesn't help those in misery in Hyderabad within the next few days, PPP will be compelled to take necessary action including launching strong protests against the government," he added. - PPI