Malik Riaz says he can exceed Thar aid up to Rs 1 billion

ISLAMABAD

Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz Hussain on Sunday decided to use all resources at his disposal in aid of the drought-affected people of Tharparkar.
After he announced to allocate Rs 200 million for the Thar affectees, Bahria Town relief team with mobile hospitals, ambulances, goods and water tanks reached Thar on Saturday night.
Bahria Dastarkwan will also remain operational in the affected areas for next six months. Bahria Town team is establishing its base camp at Mithi and sub-base camps will be established at Chachro, Diplo and Nagarparker. All camps will be well-equipped with medical and relief goods.
Earlier, Malik Riaz Hussain had reacted to the news of 100 children losing lives due to drought in Thar and immediately ordered his teams to provide relief goods to the affected people within 24 hours. He had also said steps would be taken to ensure long-term sustenance measures, including provision of water. He pledged to use all resources to help the drought-hit people. Brig (r) Tahir Butt is leading the relief team. Butt is also leading the rehabilitation project for the Awaran earthquake victims.
Malik Riaz said he could increase the allocated amount to Rs 1,000 million. He said ambulances, water tankers and other relief goods had reached the affected areas. Hussain said he would distribute Rs 10,000 to 50,000 to each affected family at their doorstep. Every affected family will be provided with food, drinking water and medicine. The Bahria Town will remain in the area until July to save the lives of the affected people. He said the Bahria Dastarkhwans were being established for the drought-affected people with an immediate effect. He asked the Sindh government to take action against the officials found responsible for the death of over 100 children.
He also provided his mobile number 0334-5164991 and 24-hour operational call centre number (0800-00100).