Asif Ali Zardari seeks report on relief discrimination complaints

President Asif Ali Zardari today sought a report from authorities on reports that scheduled caste Hindus or Dalits were denied humanitarian aid and entry into relief camps in southern Sindh province for victims of devastating floods.

Zardari had noted that the Dalits were denied aid allegedly for being untouchable and had issued directions that immediate relief should be provided to all "marooned and stranded people and flood victims, including the scheduled caste Hindus," an official statement said.

The President called for a report on the issue from the Sindh government.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said that Zardari took notice of reports in a section of the media President this morning and asked the Sindh Chief Minister to look into complaints and correct the situation.

Zardari described as unacceptable any discrimination in extending rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations to minorities or anyone on the basis of caste, creed or religion.

He said the havoc caused by floods was a disaster that called for a humanitarian response beyond partisan or religious considerations.

The floods in Sindh have claimed over 300 lives and affected over six million.

Several districts submerged by flood waters have sizeable Hindu populations.