Adil Najam
The flood waters may have receded from media headlines and also from many of the affected areas, but it will be a long while before the impacts of the Great Flood recede from the lives of those who were devastated by it. Lest we forget, here are two pictures, both taken today: Saturday, October 30, 2010, in Jacobabad, Sindh.
Much more ‘juicy’ news may be attracting our attentions, but the needs today as as great as before. and in some ways are even greater as those whose lives were devastated try to rebuild those lives – one brick, one wall, one sapling, one bag of seeds at a time. As the 20 million Pakistanis affected return to their homes, they fight disease, dismay and a total disarray of what used to be their lives. Seeds have to be planted so that the next year is also not a washout. Houses have to be rebuilt. Trauma has to be tackled. Children have to be sent back to schools. The schools themselves have to be rebuilt.
The world had not really paid much attention as the devastation unfolded. It is paying even less attention today. All the more reason that those who are paying attention be thanked and supported. There are important lessons to be learnt and even more important actions to be taken. To those of our friends abroad whose humanity has been moved enough for them to join in this time of need, we must express our gratitude. But let us never forget that the greatest responsibility lies with us ourselves. After all, ghar tou aakhir appna hai:
Why just keep talking about this one topic. We have bigger problems, like Zardari is still president. If the floods help get rid of him, they will be worth it.
Behbud Association USA is collecting funds for “Adopting a Village for Rehabilitation” in one of the flood hit areas, and depending on the funds received, plans to provide educational, health and income generating facilities for that village. Please visit our website at http://www.behbud.org for more information. Behbud Association USA is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in the USA. Donations in the USA are tax exempt to the extent permitted by US law. Thanks for your support.
….But let us never forget that the greatest responsibility lies with us ourselves….
And it requires an independent investigation commission of experts to determine the multiple levels of failure in the system that led to the great *** flooding *** in the country.
The call for “responsibility” should be accompanied with the demand for accountability. Lets not wash our sins at the door steps of the nature. We cannot fool all of the people all of the time.
After all, “ghar tou aakhir appna hai”!
I am surprised at these pictures. I had actually thought that the water was now all gone. Certainly have not seen anything like this on the TV channels. Are you sure these are new pictures and not old ones?
Yes, the real needs are now piling up, but now not only the international community but even Pakistan govt has stopped caring.