Amid the devastating floods in several parts of Pakistan, reports have emerged that some boatmen are allegedly charging flood victims for rides to safety. Survivors claim that instead of providing free rescue services, a number of private boat operators are demanding money from stranded families desperate to escape rising waters.
Humanitarian groups and local residents have strongly condemned the practice, calling it an exploitation of people in distress. Authorities say they are investigating the matter and have urged citizens to immediately report such incidents.
Meanwhile, official rescue teams, backed by the military and provincial disaster management authorities, continue to evacuate thousands of families from submerged villages and towns. Relief workers emphasize that all official rescue operations remain free of cost.
