India Floods Pakistan
By the Editor

SETTING aside the current process to clutch ‘friendship’ via CBMs, amid its typical mindset of animosity vis-à-vis Pakistan, India has suddenly released over 5.6 lac cusec water in River Chenab causing ‘very high flood situation’ in several cities of Pakistan.

An emergency has been declared in areas adjoining the cities of Sialkot, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang and Chiniot. Pak Army jawans are evacuating the people from affected areas.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz presided over a high-level meeting in Islamabad to take stock of the situation arising out of the sudden release of water by India.

The sudden release of water in Chenab River in such a substantial quantity has caused a serious situation in several areas of the Punjab Province.

Scores of villages have been inundated causing widespread damage to property and crops, besides putting the people to great hardships in the affected areas. Pak Army jawans remained busy throughout the day on Friday to evacuate the people in the flood hit villages.

It’s reported that the diversion tunnel of the controversial Baghlihar Dam in Doda district of occupied Kashmir has caved in resulting in overflow of water due to rise in its level in Chenab River at Chanderkote.

Regrettably, India had informed Pakistan of its decision to release over five lac cusec of water in River Chenab, but it was belated leaving hardly enough time for her to take tangible protective measures ahead of the impending floods.

Ironically, Pakistan was already enduring flood situation especially in the NWFP and Northern Areas, due to snow melting in the wake of scorching heat in the month of June last.

The sudden release of water by India in such a huge quantity has, therefore, confounded the situation and confronted Pakistan with a stupendous task of relief and evacuation.

Scores of villages have been inundated in areas of Gujrat, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin.

A close watch is being kept on the flood situation and helicopters are being used for aerial view for quick response to any adverse situation.

It will, however, not be inappropriate for Pakistan to take up the issue with New Delhi about its failure to give timely information to her about the release of over five lac cusec of water into Chenab River in view of the losses that it has suffered due to Indian apathy and non-serious attitude.● 

 -  Mumtaz Hamid Rao
www.MumtazRao.net