Pakistan observes I-Day with austerity

NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Aug 14: Amidst devastating floods and incessant rains, Pakistan observed its 64th Independence Day today with austerity.
The government and the armed forces called off the scheduled programs to express solidarity with the millions of people rendered homeless by the recent flash-floods across the country. This was for the first time in past 63-years that August 14 functions were called off. The day was by and large a cheerless as the country is facing worst ever natural calamity.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in his address to the nation said that in view of the devastating floods government has decided to call off all official celebrations. “The government institutions too have been directed to exhibit austerity. As the nation is facing the worst-ever natural disaster,” he said.
Gilani said that his government was committed to mitigate the sufferings of flood victims.
He pointed out that the death toll in the floods across the country stands at 1,318 whereas 3, 98000 flood victims have been shifted to safer locations. He pointed out that 20 million people have been hit by the floods.
Appreciating the nation’s undying spirit to face the challenges Gilani said that Pakistan had a history to face the challenges with great-spirit and unity and perseverance. “Pakistan as a nation is strong enough to deal with any challenge and would effectively play its role in rehabilitating the millions of flood victims,” he said.
Gilani said that the government was making all out efforts to provide relief to the flood victims. He however maintained that the government had not enough resources to deal with this catastrophe and urged the entire nation as well as the international community to come forward in a big way to help out the people who have lost their livelihood and possessions during the ongoing floods across the country.