Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today announced a Rs 1 billion aid package for the drought-hit Tharparkar district in Sindh province, where over 40 children have died due to pneumonia and malnutrition.
Sharif, during a visit to the affected area, said his government would help people hit by the calamity and assured the Sindh government that he would fully support its efforts to tide over the crisis.
The calamity has so far claimed lives of over 40 children.
Strict action should be taken against those responsible for the negligence in distribution of wheat amongst the residents of Tharparker, he said.
The prime minister wondered why the situation in the district deteriorated as compared to the adjoining Cholistan desert which was not affected by the food shortage.
Sharif was briefed by provincial officials about the relief activities in Tharparker. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chairman of Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the briefing.
