Minister plays down dengue scare

Federal Minister for Communication, Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil, has stressed the need for making concerted and comprehensive efforts for rescue and rehabilitation of flood-affected people. Talking to a group of senior journalists here on Saturday, he called for refraining from spreading any kind of haphazard and panic about the dengue fever.
"We should also take initiatives at individual level for provision of medical help and treatment facilities for those who have been suffering from the epidemic, he maintained. He said that the people should seek forgiveness from the Allah Almighty and help their time-testing situation.
Dr Alamgir Khan highlighted the role of media in natural calamities and crises for creation of awareness among the masses, which could enhance their confidence level and determination in time-testing situation. The brave nations have the courage to face such difficulties and crises, he said and added that our nation is capable to confront all kinds of challenges and hindrances.
He informed that the President Asif Ali Zardari and Premier Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have directed the authority concerned for provision of all possible assistance to the flood-affected people, saying that both leaders are closely monitoring the day to day flood situation.
Similarly, he said, armed forces took part in rescue and relief operation to immediately evacuate the marooned people in different flood-hit areas of the country. The PPP-led coalition government resolves the major problems confronting the country, and has fully cognisant about the future challenges. He said the government is fully determined to bring the situation under control very shortly, saying it would provide all facilities to the masses at their doorstep.
Federal Minister called upon the media for refraining from negative propaganda, saying that the government always welcomes positive criticism. The constructive approaches and ideas would be welcomed by the journalists, writers and intelligentsia; positive ideas and suggestions, he said and added would be considered and all practical steps would be taken at any level in broader national interest.