Angry minority leaders have accused the Sindh provincial government of religious discrimination in its rescue and relief efforts to help millions affected by severe flooding.

“Ahmadi [hari] villagers, trapped in floodwaters, were ignored; they are being barred from government relief camps. Members of Hindu scheduled casts are being denied food and water and most of them are being forced to live at the roadside as they are [considered] untouchables”, said Saleem-ud-din, an Ahmadi spokesman.

“We had to hire several boats to rescue around 370 Ahmadis and other people,” he said.

Some 50,000 Hindus and 1,500 Ahmadis are among more than 5 million people affected by torrential monsoon rains and flooding in southern Sindh province.

President Asif Ali Zardari has demanded a report from the provincial government after media reports said relief organizations have been denying humanitarian aid to Dalits.

“Discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion in extending rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations is unacceptable. The havoc caused by the floods is a humanitarian disaster which calls for a response beyond partisan or religious considerations,” the president’s spokesman said.

Ahmadis have distributed more than 500 mosquito nets, 460 tents, 350 water filters and set up 23 medical camps. The Muslim community, labeled as heretic, is presently providing food to 620 families in flood hit villages.

Hyderabad diocese’s vicar general, Father Samson Shukardin, says minorities are discriminated against regarding flood relief every year.

“We are receiving request for aid from all our parishes. Caritas Pakistan and priests are trying to help flood victims on an individual basis”, said the Franciscan priest who plans to deliver 1,000 food parcels to flood survivors next week.

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