Adil Najam
The raging waters may finally be finding their way into the ocean and news of the calamity is beginning to recede from the front pages of the Pakistani newspapers. But the challenges are no less today than they were a month ago; if anything they may even be greater as we begin to grapple the full magnitude of the economic, livelihood and disease costs of what can only be called The Great Flood of 2010.
Realizing that there is still much to be done, in this ATP Poll we wish to get a sense of how some of the key players have been doing in playing their role in the relief and response to this Great Flood (you can choose multiple entries).
We have tried to keep the poll simple by only asking who is doing a good job in their response. In not choosing a particular entry you will signify that they are doing less than what you consider to be a ‘good’ job for that particular actor. We repeat, in this poll you CAN choose as many entries as you wish.
Please note that ‘Pakistani official agencies’ includes all field agencies, including those of the Pakistan military, federal, provincial and local authorities, but this does not include the political leadership at any of those levels – you are welcome to comment on their performance in the comments section. We hope you will also comment in more detail on why you think a particular group has or has not done a good job in your estimation and what you had expected of them.
Most importantly, let us remember that much of what has to be done, remains to be done. Our goal here is not just to evaluate, but also to think about what these actors can do better, any suggestions on that in the comments will also be, therefore, appreciated.
We can add a category ‘Angelina Jolie’ [period]. Rest of the show biz world [Faran Tahir] excluded have done nothing. Pakistanis in US doing a lot. And great interview Najam…international community has allowed for their hatred take over their humanity.
I am surprised and disappointed that ‘Pakistanis abroad’ gets so little votes. I know that everyone I know in Pakistanis in America is doing something, small or big, to help
You know who has NOT done a good job. In fact who has been totally absent through this: Mr. Big Mouth Hussain Haqqani!
Not a word from him. No efforts from him to raise any money for Pakistan. Why could he not ask his American friends to give to this cause!!!!
I did not want to put this in the main post, but my own view of the international response to the floods is contained in this radio interview to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Program ‘Q’ (the other guest was Salman Ahmed of Junoon):
http://bit.ly/b543I9
I think the Pakistani public has risen, but probably not the same level as in the earthquake.
Pakistanis abroad have mostly been a disappointment, making excuses rather than doing anything.
My real hero here was Ban Ki Moon and the UN.