Imran Khan warns of protests if Zardari visits UK

Lahore, Aug 1(ANI): With Pakistan reeling under the worst floods in its history, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has warned that a strong protest would be staged if President Asif Ali Zardari went ahead with his scheduled visit to the United Kingdom.

Zardari, who is currently on an official visit to France, is scheduled to begin his five-day trip to the UK on Tuesday.

"The country is in the grip of the worst floods that have unleashed widespread devastation, especially in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa province, leaving hundreds of dead and millions homeless," The News quoted Khan, as saying.

"In view of these circumstances, President Zardari should have suspended his planned visit to the UK," he added.

He said that people were dying due to flood related incidents, and were in need of the government's help, but the President's focus was on the US-led war on terror.

The death toll from the devastating floods has risen to 1,300, with waterborne diseases adding to the misery of the people.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director, Shakil Qadir, said that 690 people had been killed in Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi.

He also said that 115 people were still missing since the torrential rains and floods hit the province.

According to reports, the death toll in the worst hit districts of Swat and Shangla had reached 434.

The Meteorological Department had issued a warning on Sunday, saying that a high tide was expected to pass through Taunsa Barrage before Tuesday, putting Punjab's southern districts at high risk. (ANI)