HRCP concerned over delays in relief effort

Lahore, 2 April. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) alerts the authorities to the growing frustration among vulnerable families over unnecessary delays in providing them with food rations and other necessities.

HRCP believes that the lack of clarity at the level of the federal government – where the Prime Minister apparently takes a different view of the pandemic from other government functionaries – is exacerbating the situation. This delay is likely to create law and order problems sooner than later and could lead to food riots.

Instead of wasting further time in creating new entities, existing human resources should be mobilised immediately to distribute rations. These include the courageous polio vaccinators, lady health workers, and trained volunteers of the Civil Defence and Red Crescent, who already have proven access to people at the household level across Pakistan. Local civil society organisations can also be used for this purpose under a coordinated plan.

HRCP also demands the restoration of the suspended local governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Without functioning local governments, any relief effort will remain an uphill task.

On behalf of Dr Mehdi Hasan
Chairperson