Judicial commission to investigate death of children in Thar

E-Paper | May 03, 2026

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has constituted a Judicial Commission to investigate the situation in Thar in the wake of continuing deaths of children because of malnutrition and waterborne diseases. The two-member commission headed by Justice retired Ghulam Sawar Korai has been tasked to complete its inquiry in 15 days.

Latest reports from Thar put the death toll of children at 173 since Jan 1 because of waterborne diseases and malnutrition.

Taking notice of media reports, the chief minister said the government had taken practical measure for poverty alleviation in Thar.

“I have improved health services, upgraded basic health units, dispensaries and taluka hospitals by providing equipment and have doubled the budget for medicines.”

Despite that, Mr Shah said, media reports were saying that infants’ deaths were on the rise. He directed Chief Secretary Siddique Memon to constitute a Judicial Commission, headed by Justice retired Ghulam Sarwar Korai, and retired District and Sessions Judge Arjun Ram as member to investigate the situation.

The commission will look into reasons for children’s death, impact of measures taken by the government, point out shortfall in efforts/policy within 15 days and suggest measures for improvement.

The commission will start its work on Monday.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2016

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Pakistan

Sindh health minister blames media for 'crisis in Thar'

CJP warns govt to tackle Thar situation before judiciary intervenes

Famine-like situation in Thar after severe drought

L.Ahmad

Feb 08, 2016 07:29am

What a farcical inquiry? A judicial commission to investigate the death of children because his government could not give them aid to save innocent lives. What is the matter with our elected leaders and what is there that they don't understand? These tragic incidents occur regularly and they must have read or at least seen numerous reports as to why people die of famine, hunger and disease. Take some action, do some work to help them rather than sweeping it under the carpet. Useless, useless.

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Yes Man

Feb 08, 2016 12:17pm

Lets hope judicial commission's report comes out within a year, may be forming a committee to review and submit a report on those findings, than another comittee to review the report of the first committee and make recommendations. Than a special committee to review and validate those recommendations. Than recommendations to be assesses and sent to task force to review it in view of existing political environment and if there is still any public demand for follow-up actions. All of committee reviews and list of documents, including police reports and any missing or lost documents must be submitted to CM before he retires. What was that commission all about? Does that old case needs any follow-ups after passing of many years at all?

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imtiaz Hydari

Feb 08, 2016 12:42pm

why dont i hear warnings and threats to deseat the sindh Government for the death of over 170 children in Thar????? where is PTI on this issue? why is the focus solely on Punjab? So much noise about PIA and the wasteful useless strike by its employees but hardly a word on the death of innocent children. Political hypocricy at its height!!!

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Yes Man

Feb 08, 2016 07:18pm

@imtiaz Hydari Good comment. Lets what Imran Khan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Zardari and Dr. Sattar have to say about children dying of hunger and lack of medicine in Thar areas. Why don't these leaders make noise in national assembly about national issues. Tax payers are paying regular paycheques to MNA's but many of them do not show up for work? No wonder they say, Democracy is the best renge for people of Pakistan.

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