HYDERABAD, July 28: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has wondered where hundreds of pumps purchased to drain out water from Hyderabad city have gone and demanded an investigation into the matter.

It also demanded that an emergency should be enforced in utility organizations to combat the situation arising out of torrential rains in the city.

Speaking at a news conference at the Muttahida zonal office here on Monday, the adviser to the Sindh chief minister on home affairs, Aftab Ahmad Shaikh, said leaves of employees of taluka councils, Hesco, Wasa, HDA and other services should be cancelled and emergency centres be established in the three talukas of Hyderabad to resolve grievances of the people.

Flanked by Muttahida MNA Prof Khalid Wahab, Sindh minister, Naeem Ishtiaq, MPAs Dr Arsahd Shah and Apa Farzana Saeed and joint zonal organizer Syed Afzal Ahmad Shah, the adviser deplored the pathetic condition in Hyderabad.

He said party chief Altaf Hussain had directed to establish relief camps throughout Sindh to aid the rain-affected people. He said two relief camps were being set up by the Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation opposite the Hyderabad Railway Station and at the Muttahida Zonal office in Bhai Khan Chari. He said camps were also being established in Hyderabad’s talukas to collect relief goods such as food items, clothes and medicines for the rain victims. He said Mr Hussain had donated Rs1million for relief operations.

Mr Shaikh, who is also MQM coordination committee deputy convener, said two teams of the party were transporting relief goods to Badin and Mithi.

He appealed to philanthropists and the people at large to give donations for the affected people.

The Muttahida leader said the sewerage system of Hyderabad had collapsed and water was standing in every lane and street.

He said a committee, comprising elected representatives and a nominee of the district government, should be appointed to distribute relief goods among the victims.

He said the health department should carry out anti-virus spray throughout the city and the sale of rotten fruits and vegetables should be banned under section 144 Cr. PC.

Mr Shaikh said water flow in the Phulelli Canal should be decreased by six feet and canal embankments be strengthened to avoid breaches.

He also expressed concern over the dilapidated condition of a Pucca Qila wall.