Sindh govt 'apathetic' towards heatwave victims: Reham Khan

Published July 4, 2015
Reham Khan says the approach of the Sindh government towards heatwave victims was completely apathetic. — DawnNews screengrab
Reham Khan says the approach of the Sindh government towards heatwave victims was completely apathetic. — DawnNews screengrab

KARACHI: Reham Khan, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, said Saturday that the approach of the Sindh government towards heatwave victims was apathetic.

Speaking to media representatives upon her arrival at Karachi's Jinnah Hospital, Reham said the provincial government of Sindh did not want to accept any responsibility.

She said her visit was a follow-up of the PTI's chief earlier Karachi visit, adding that the purpose of her arrival was completely humanitarian.

Take a look: Federal and provincial govts responsible for heatwave deaths in Karachi: Imran

Earlier, speaking upon her arrival in Karachi outside the Jinnah International Airport, Reham said that she had personally organised a shelter where people can come and seek respite from the heat during the day.

"We will provide water, iftar and a cool environment for our brothers and sisters for however long this difficult time prevails."

The PTI chief's wife was, however, quick to point out that it was the responsibility of the Sindh government to cater to heatwave victims.

"This is not the first time this has happened in Pakistan. You cannot say that this is freak weather. This has happened before and you [Sindh government] have no arrangements for a rapid response."

The scorching heatwave that struck Sindh since the start of Ramazan claimed the lives of over 1,300 people — with most of the deaths taking place in Karachi.

The crisis centred in the metropolitan city was worsened by poor service delivery, including a faulty power grid and shortage of potable water.

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