KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information Sharjeel Memon blamed PTI for spreading propaganda over donations from United Kingdom for flood victims, saying that party will have to answer for it. “I want to ask PTI workers what’s point of this campaign? Spokespersons for PTI should answer,” he said after a post-Cabinet press conference.

Sindh government had come under fire after news circulating on social media claimed that PPP-led government was selling flour bags in stores that it received in aid from UK after recent floods in Pakistan. A picture of a flour bag with “UK aid” printed on it was being shared on social media and several Twitterati claimed that bags were part of aid Pakistan received from UK and were being sold in stores of Karachi.

But soon after images were shared on Twitter, Sindh CM House and National Disaster Management Authority rubbished claims, saying photos were old. Memon then appealed to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and federal government to take action against social media users involved in campaign targeting Sindh government. Taking a swipe at PTI and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, he said whilst everyone is busy in relief works, a party is resorting to political tactics, which no one else would think of resorting to. He said that UK wheat bag photos were shared on social media and international donors were tagged.

“What is purpose of this heinous campaign? Flood affectees including women, children and elderly are all disturbed. To add insult to injury, they some social media users are asking international bodies to not help Pakistan,” he said. He said that people who support Khan shared images and tagged donors, noting that if government decides to take action against them, it will not be tantamount to an attack on freedom of expression.

He announced that he will approach Sindh High Court (SHC). “Courts should also take notice of this issue as this is not exercising right to freedom of expression.” Pakistan is currently reeling from devastation caused by catastrophic floods largely depending on aid from international organisations and friendly countries for relief and rehabilitation. Floods in Pakistan have affected some 33 million people and submerged one-third of country. Since mid-June, over 1,300 people have died and more than 12,000 have been injured, as per official tally. Provinces of Sindh and Balochistan have been worst hit, where entire villages have been inundated.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 13 2022

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