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:
A friend of mine in commerce ministry of Pakistan has extensive professional linkages around the world, mostly among financial institutions and government ministries & department. While having casual discussions over the flood, the losses and the response of Pakistani govt., several of these middle and high ranked foreign govt. officials seemed surprised.
According to them, the relevant authorities were expecting a strong plea from Pakistani govt. to have a significant portion of the heavy debt written off, in addition to the usual appeal for aid. Although nobody had discussed a possible response to such a motion, yet they had it in the back of their minds.
But they were surprised to note that none of Pakistani official ever mentioned such a point to be a part of agenda for bail out package. The Pakistanis were always demanding ($45 bn) aid, in cash, through govt., with no accountability. Apart from a half-hearted statement by the information minister, no one was interested in transforming the crisis into opportunity by getting loans written off (by governments at least, if not by financial institutions).
Some pockets have no end !!!
Very powerful video and song at the end. Great work. Keep it up.
Sorry this is off-topic, but Prof. Najam I just heard your interview on the US-Pak Strategic Dialogue and I though you were right on target in both your comments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGXGsyAuxd0
This is picture of our carelessnes as a nation.. I don,t know that what wrong with us.. Recent floods left many responsibilities and tasks but we are still simply saying that its from GOD. Its true but our irresponsibilities played major role in making it more worst. Its not only zardari problem. We all should come in front as a nation. Awakened nation can never ever forget easily such situations. We have to grow more and more trees. We must take care of our nature. If we will treat our environment badly then it will react same as we did..
I understand by blaming others we are not taking our own responsibility but I also know that this has nothing to do with God or Allah.
I just woke up and after reading “Watan Aziz” comment I laughed so hard that I scared(celebrating halloween) the people around me. I know I shouldnt be laughing this is sad.
Anyone who has spent little time in pakistan knows how things work in pakistan. Newly constructed roads disappear after one rain. Govt. contracts quietly awarded to inexperienced friends and relatives and sometime bribed who would walk away with substandard job.
Ofcourse that damn would not withstand, forget the high pressure.