August 14, 2010 1:33 PM

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Flood overshadows Pak I-Day celebrations

The worst floods in Pakistan have eclipsed the Independence Day celebrations in the country leading to cancellation of festivities and prompting nation to make celebrations with simplicity. Meanwhile, Pakistan says that 20 million people have been affected by the devastating floods, six million more than previously thought. The new figures were given by the Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in a speech marking the Independence Day of Pakistan for which celebrations have been greatly scaled down. Gilani said there were still flood victims to be reached, and that the government was leaving no stone unturned. The UN had previously said that the Pakistan's worst flooding in 80 years has affected 14 million and killed 1,600 people. While the water level has receded in some areas, others face the threat of further flooding. Senior Government officials are reluctant to organise functions and to participate in Independence Day festivities as they are visiting the flood-hit areas. Independence Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr has been cancelled. According to a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari will spend the day with flood victims in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Army too has cancelled its Independence and Defence Day celebrations and is donating the funds to flood victims instead.

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