MITHI, Feb 14: Members of the World Bank (WB) team, who visited Thar this week, said that the drought situation there was severe, which needed immediate relief measures besides sustainable planning to mitigate the suffering of the people.

While briefing government officials, civic organizations and journalists on Wednesday, John W. Wall, Director of World Bank in Pakistan, said that a team comprising seven members was sent from Washington to Thar, which found that the people there were living in extremely miserable conditions owing to drought since the last four years.

He said his team discovered that life in Thar was difficult owing to the non-existence of basic amenities, while the prolonged drought had further multiplied the difficulties of the people of Thar.

He said President Gen Pervez Musharraf, who had already visited the area, had sanctioned a special grant of Ra10 million for its development schemes, and added that, however, he should again visit the area in such hard times when the drought-stricken Tharis were finding it difficult to keep themselves alive.

Other team members of the World Bank, including Programme Officer (Education) Tom Buckley, Desk Officer for Pakistan Ai Chin Wee, and Senior Operation Officer (South Asia) Desiree Charles also spoke on the occasion.

SEMINAR ON DROUGHT: Preparations are being made here for a two-day seminar on ‘Thar drought 2002-03’, which is to be held on Feb 16 and 17 under the aegis of the Mithi Press Club.