Adil Najam and Owais Mughal
There are many numbers that we can and should be thinking of today. And we will. But there is only one that counts: One.
That ‘one’ is you. And what you can do to make the life of just ‘one’ of the over 6.5 million people affected by the floods in Pakistan that much better.
Of course, that ‘one’ is not just you. It is also me. And all of us. And what we do, or not do, is our choice. This is the moment to make that choice. We will, each of us, make that choice separately. But we will, all of us, reap the fruits of those choices together.
That is the nature of the challenges we face. That is the nature of the responsibilities that confront us.
All the other relevant numbers continue to rise – and will nearly certainly rise further. All except this ‘one’. Here is where those other numbers stand, as of today (see earlier compilation here):
Pakistanis Affected:
13,800,000
(According to the UN this eclipses even in the 2004 Tsunami)
Death Toll:
1650+
(Estimate of 1500+ in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa only)
Total International Aid Pledged:
US$102,000,000
(Of which only $10-20 million has been delivered thus far)
Cost to Agriculture:
US$1,000,000,000+
(US$ 1 Billion in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa only)
Agricultural Cropland Already flooded:
1,400,000 acres
(Also 10,000 cows have perished)
Estimated cost of rebuilding roads destroyed:
US$59,000,000
(Mostly in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Punjab)
Estimated cost of rebuilding power infrastructure and dams:
US$29,500,000
(This will only worsen the existing energy crisis)
Houses Destroyed:
650,000
(In Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa)
Boats available for rescue activities:
583
(According to NMDA numbers, 8 August)
Helicopters available for rescue activities:
41
(According to NMDA numbers, 8 August)
We have all talked a lot about this flood and the havoc it has wroght. But in all honesty I did not realize the full intensity of this event until I saw this picture below. The fury of the torrent (taken in the Swat area a few days ago) depicts what no words possibly can.
Let us close with one other picture. A picture that reminds us of the power of ‘one’, and of the responsibility of ‘one.’
Some of you may have seen this already. But look again, please. Look at the eyes of this mother. You will no doubt heard the unsaid message and that feeling of ‘be-chaargi’ – of helplessness – that is being felt by just everyone in Pakistan today. The only way to respond to helplessness is to help oneself. No one in the world will – or should – come to help us, if we do not help ourselves. So, let us please help the flood affectees of Pakistan. let us do whatever we can. Let us be the ‘one.’
Where is Saudi Arabia. How much have they sent.
Where is China – the protector of Pakistan.
Where is Turkey – How many troops have they sent.
Where is Egypt – Where is the muslim brotherhood.
Where is Indonesia.
Where is Al Quida – Aren’t they going to send Heroine money.
How come Pakistan has to beg White People for money.
Why should Pakistan take charity from Christian organisations.
or the UN.
How come Zardari has to be in Pakistan if Military runs everything. I thought President was just figure head.
What have the Prime Minister done. What have the Governors done. Was the Military slow in sending troops.
So How many now believe in Global Warming. This is
just the prelude. Do you really this World will continue to
rescue Pakistan. A country that boost Nuclear bomb cannot
save the farmers of the country.
Arfeen, I wasn’t being petty. I think it is important to point out in a subtle way that most of the aid to Pakistan (or India or any other country) whenever these disasters hit is from the Western countries. And yet, these countries are widely hated in Pakistan and considered enemies out to destroy your country, while the oil-rich Muslim countries who are much celebrated as your Ummah are nowhere to be found on the scene and yet are considered the best friends and well-wishers and family. It is important to point this out so that more Pakistanis turn away from religious make-belief fanaticism that’s destroying themselves and their neighbors.
But what about Haajies? Can’t they contribute their Haj-money to the help of flood victims this year? At least that money which some institutions allocate for Haj of their employees can be contributed straightaway to help FVs.
These numbers are horrendous. I cannot even fathom the scale of this. My condolences and prayers.
Lets please ignore the pettiness of Arjun’s comments. Some people only feel happiness at other’s misery.
I have started seeing the same spirit that we saw in the earthquake arising, although slowly. Ultimately, only we ourselves can help us. Thank you for focusing on what WE can do, rather than what others will do for us.