At least 67 infants and children have died in southwest Pakistan's drought-hit Sindh province reportedly due to severe malnutrition, prompting the Supreme Court to call it a national shame.
An official report submitted by the Chief Secretary of Sindh in the Supreme Court said that 26 deaths were reported in December, 18 in January and 23 in February.
The top court took suo-motu cognisance of the famine-like situation in Tharparkar that has sparked a public outcry and diverted media attention from militant attacks.
"We should bow our heads in shame over what is happening there," said Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani about the government's failure in preventing the deaths.
The lack of proper medical facilities have only escalated the trouble for the common people.
"Most of these deaths have been due to pneumonia, sepsis, birth asphyxia and very few from malnutrition. Sepsis is mainly due to use of unhygienic methods of delivery used by midwives and untrained local 'dais,'" the report said.
Around 0.12 million wheat bags are being distributed among the affected people, the report added.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who visited the area today, announced a Rs 100-crore relief package and assured the people affected by the calamity that the federal government would provide full assistance to them.
Sharif asked officials to ensure supply of essential commodities, drinking water and medicine.
The Prime Minister said strict action would be taken against those responsible for the negligence in distribution of wheat among the residents of Tharparkar, a statement issued by Sharif's office said.
Deputy Commissioner of Tharparkar said during a briefing, attended by Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, that the authorities are making all out efforts to help the needy.
Sindh government has distributed 1,25,000 wheat bags and 2,030 bags had so far been distributed in Mithi, while as 1,030 had been given away in Islamkot, he said.
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said women doctors deputed in the area would be given double salaries and free transportation as incentives.
