PPP Demands Government Utilize BISP Data for Flood Victim Relief Distribution
PPP Demands Government Utilize BISP Data for Flood Victim Relief Distribution
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has called upon the federal government to utilize the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) database for distributing relief assistance to flood victims across the country, criticizing the current relief distribution system for being based on favoritism rather than merit.Speaking at a press conference held at the Central Secretariat in Islamabad on Friday, PPP Central Secretary Information Nadeem Afzal Chan and Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza began by paying tribute to the martyrs of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) on September 12. "Democracy exists in the country today because of these martyrs, and we salute them," Chan stated, emphasizing the party's commitment to democratic values.
Chan highlighted that the PPP has refrained from political point-scoring during the recent flood crisis, with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visiting flood-affected areas nationwide. "Natural disasters occur all over the world, but in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI has been in power for thirteen years, the situation has worsened due to illegal encroachments and the timber mafia," he observed.
The PPP leader noted that despite the challenges, the party maintained a constructive approach, with Bilawal even praising the Punjab government's efforts in Kasur district during his visits to affected areas.
The central demand from the PPP leadership centers on utilizing BISP data for relief distribution. "Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has suggested to the Prime Minister that relief funds should be distributed through BISP data. However, the Punjab government is distributing relief goods on the basis of favoritism," Chan explained.
The party has demonstrated its commitment to this proposal by tabling resolutions in the Senate, National Assembly, and all four provincial assemblies, demanding the launch of the BISP program in flood-affected areas.
Chan criticized the mixed response across provinces, particularly highlighting issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where "PTI's incompetence has been fully exposed." He called for a commission of inquiry into problems related to the timber mafia and illegal encroachments that have exacerbated flood damage.
Regarding Punjab's response, Chan acknowledged that while good work has been done in some areas, other efforts were "limited to TikTok appearances." He particularly praised Rescue 1122 for their exemplary work during the crisis, while criticizing the prevalence of favoritism in relief distribution despite the province having a digital system that could ensure transparency.
The PPP leaders expressed grave concern for the agricultural community, with Chan stating that "farmers in Punjab are suffering and crying for help" and have not received adequate support. He emphasized the need for the government to present Pakistan's case regarding climate change on the international stage.
Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza provided detailed insights into the provincial situation, describing the flood devastation as "beyond description." He identified Faisalabad Division as the worst affected, with particular damage in the katcha (riverine) areas where livestock represents the primary source of income for residents.
"In Chiniot and surrounding areas, the damage has been severe. Farmers were already devastated due to government incompetence and wrong policy decisions," Murtaza explained, highlighting how existing vulnerabilities were compounded by the natural disaster.
## Systemic Issues and Civil Society Response
Murtaza criticized the government for violating the "dignity and privacy" of farmers and peasants during relief efforts. He noted that citizens have largely organized self-help initiatives for flood victim rehabilitation, while acknowledging that local land revenue officials (patwaris) have been performing commendable work in many areas.
The livestock losses have caused the greatest financial impact on flood victims, according to Murtaza, who attributed much of the suffering to "wrong government policies."
The PPP leader concluded by calling for comprehensive reforms, stating that "institutions that were created for floods and earthquakes must be audited." He questioned why permanent preventive measures are not implemented despite recurring annual damage from natural disasters.
"Every year damage occurs, yet why are permanent measures not taken to prevent such losses?" Murtaza asked, emphasizing the need for proactive rather than reactive disaster management policies.
The PPP's demands reflect broader concerns about transparency, effectiveness, and equity in Pakistan's disaster response mechanisms, particularly highlighting the potential of existing social protection databases like BISP to ensure more systematic and fair distribution of relief assistance.
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PPP Demands Government Utilize BISP Data for Flood Victim Relief Distribution
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