Mussarat Cheema calls for Imran Khan to lead Telethon for flood victims’ rehabilitation

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mussarat Jamshed Cheema has urged that the responsibility of launching a “telethon” for the rehabilitation of flood victims be handed over to PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, saying he is the only leader capable of mobilizing national and international support.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Cheema criticized the government for its lack of seriousness in addressing the plight of millions of families affected by recent floods. She said rehabilitation could not be achieved through “videos and photo sessions” but required extraordinary determination and willpower, which the current government had failed to demonstrate.

“Hundreds of videos circulating on social media show victims complaining about the absence of government assistance. Yet, officials continue to claim that everything is fine, misleading the public,” she alleged.

Cheema warned that the true scale of destruction would only become apparent in the coming months and years, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the crisis. She also accused profiteers and hoarders of exploiting the situation, saying the government’s weak writ had emboldened mafias to the extent that even basic commodities like vegetables had become unaffordable for people.

She maintained that only a national and international telethon under Imran Khan’s leadership could attract generous contributions from citizens, overseas Pakistanis, and friendly countries to ensure effective rehabilitation.