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.
I think it every agency and actor is playing their role, the NGO’s are present along with the official agencies and the UN agencies. It is a united front to help those who have been displaced in the floods giving credit to one will be unfair to others.
As regards media has been helpful. At least Al Jazeera has given regular and detailed coverage of the floods which has shaped public response in the Middle East.
USA must get the credit for being most helpful.
Govt agencies did a good job. The civil agencies should get the latitude because they have so little resources and ability at their disposal. What cannot be excused is that if they were lacking in their intent and attitude. Military put its resources to best use. And remember they cannot lower their guard on borders too.
Some comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “Good questions. I think the Paksitani people have again risen to the occasion!”
– “And the international response has been disgusting.”
– “army was great they really did a great job n the politicians ver NIL.”
– “An important lesson comes out of this poll, If you want something done right, you have got to do it yourself. Well Done Pakistan!”
– “A small criticism – the poll is only measuring what people believe. The facts may be quite different – and very difficult to get at. Opinions are based mainly on what media people use. Here in Ireland every Pakistani I know and their Irish friends have been involved in fund raising. People have been really touched by the disaster and have given generously.”
– “Just because the media has been silent about it, let us not forget the support that Pakistan is getting from the US:
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0810_pak istan/“
please check out http://www.islamicsolutions.com/peace-love-and-hop e-for-humanity-an-eid-greeting-to-all-from-dr-pash a-and-wwwislamicsolutionscom/