Karachi: Ending blaming game, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said it was unfair to hold single entity responsible of recent deaths caused by heatwave in Karachi, but collective failure of all departments.
He was chairing a meeting on recent intense heat wave in Karachi and the resulting casualties, at Chief Minister House today. “This was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan and all departments who shirked their responsibilities, adding to public misery should be held accountable in a transparent manner,” Nawaz Sharif said.

He expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives as a result of intense hot weather.
Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah thanked the Prime Minister for taking personal interest in matters of the province, particularly Karachi. He briefed the PM on the crisis that hit the metropolitan city on the 19th of last month, causing hundreds of casualties and the relief and remedial measures taken by the provincial government in its aftermath.

The Prime Minister was informed that more than 65000 patients reported in Karachi hospitals, during this period out of which about 1250 lost their lives. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also given briefing on water situation in Karachi.

The Chief Secretary Sindh apprised the Prime Minister about the Greater Karachi Bulk water supply scheme from Kinjhar Lake to meet present and future needs. The project would be completed in three phases. The PM directed that a monitoring committee should be set up, to ensure efficiency and transparency in execution of the water project, in a speedy manner. He said the federal government would share the project cost with the provincial government.

The meeting was also briefed on 17.8-km Green Line Bus rapid transit system, which is being funded by the federal government. Eight billion rupees have already been released for project.

Other participants of the meeting include Governor Sindh, Dr Eshrat Ul Ibad Khan; Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan; Minister for Climate Change, Mushahidullah Khan; Minister for Information, Pervaiz Rasheed; Minister for SAFRON, Abdul Qadir Baloch; Minister of State for Health, Saira Afzal Tarar; Chairman NDMA along with members of the Sindh Cabinet.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was received at the airport by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on his arrival.