KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has urged the provincial government to announce relief for people of the province on electricity bills similar to what has been provided in Punjab, saying failure to do so can “exacerbate feelings of neglect among the people”.

Answering journalists’ questions during a press conference held at the Governor House, he said that he was going to write a letter to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, requesting him to announce Rs14 per unit relief on electricity bills to power consumers similar to the relief announced by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.

He was of the view that failing to provide this much-needed relief could “exacerbate feelings of neglect among the people of Sindh during this economic crisis”.

He praised Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz for her efforts in providing relief to her constituents across the province.

10,000 ration bags for rain-hit citizens

At the outset, he announced that he was going to dispatch 10,000 ration bags to rain-affected areas in Sukkur.

Warns of increased sense of deprivation in Sindh if provincial govt doesn’t follow Punjab CM’s announcement

He urged the provincial authorities to take immediate action in response to the challenges posed by heavy rains.

The governor also appealed to non-government organisations and philanthropists to stand by their communities and actively participate in relief efforts.

“If the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) cannot manage the situation, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will take over,” he said.

He said that he had detailed discussions with the NDMA chairman regarding this contingency.

The governor confirmed the establishment of an emergency cell to monitor the situation and urged those in distress to contact the helpline at 1366 for immediate assistance.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024