KARACHI: Authorities in southern Pakistan yesterday ordered a probe into the death of 41 children who reportedly died of pneumonia and malnutrition in a stretch of the Thar desert.
Officials were alarmed by reports from Mithi, one of the least developed and most remote districts in southern Sindh province, suggesting that more than 100 people had died because of famine and malnutrition.
“It is a serious matter and we have deputed a senior member of the party and officials to probe into the deaths,” Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, said. He also ordered the arrest of health officials for neglecting their duties, saying they had failed to move the children to hospitals in the bigger cities.
He said the cause of the deaths would be confirmed by the investigation but apparently pneumonia and malnutrition were among the reasons. He said government records showed the death of 41 children but there were fears that the actual number may be higher.
Shah admitted authorities had not done all they could to look after the needs of the people.
“I admit that the distribution of wheat was not appropriate,” Shah said. AFP
