Humanitarian crisis: Government corruption and incompetence also to blame

Pakistan is suffering from a tragedy attributable to recent flash floods in Asia. Having been hit harder by these floods than by a 2005 earthquake, Pakistan is experiencing the largest disaster in its history.

Reports state millions of people are clinging to life through humanitarian aid and that hundreds of thousands have still gotten no help. Many people cannot be reached because of destroyed infrastructure, including bridges and roads. The lack of clean water has led to the spread of deadly diseases, and the latest reports say the situation is getting worse. In addition to tens of thousands of people who have died in the floods, dozens of people, mostly children, are dying because of hunger every day. The exact figure of those who have gone missing is not known. The fact that there will be increased rainfall from the monsoon rains which may trigger new flash floods gives rise to added concerns.

The grave situation Pakistan finds itself in after being so affected by the floods should come as no surprise. Although it can be said that last week’s floods were a natural disaster, the scale of the humanitarian disaster they caused and most of the ensuing tragedy are certainly man-made. The primary reason for the sheer number of casualties is that Pakistan is an underdeveloped and poor country. Pakistan has long been unable to get rid of domestic and regional tensions and conflicts, and the impact of the disaster is made even worse by the fact that there is no proper infrastructure in place and that no measures have been taken against floods as well as that houses are not maintained and proper health services cannot be provided.

Disaster empowers Taliban

As the crisis in the country escalates, the biggest reaction has been directed at the Pakistani government. The country is said to suffer not only from a flood disaster, but also from a leadership disaster; and in this context, President Asif Ali Zardari is accused of not taking any precautions against the imminent disaster and failing to mobilize the general public and UN about assistance after the disaster. Moreover, the bad image of the dynasty due to claims of corruption has played a direct role in the delay of aid.

On the other hand, it is very likely that the victimization of the people as a result of the government’s failure to intervene in the grave situation that emerged after the flood may play into the hands of radical movements. The Taliban frequently says the dynasty is not capable of ruling Pakistan, and will now be able to easily reap benefits from the Pakistani government’s incompetence in this tragedy and enjoy increased credibility in the eyes of the general public. In other words, by multiplying the flood disaster’s sorrow with incompetence in delivering relief, the Pakistani government is pushing the Pakistanis into the Taliban’s arms.

The country, denied sufficient assistance and support, has been left alone. The international community failed the Pakistani test. Aid sent to the country remains as low as $200 million. Apparent, indifference towards Pakistan also dominated Muslim countries. It is disgraceful for the international community to justify its reluctance to help Pakistan by saying that the aid and funds might pass into the hands of radical groups and to cite security concerns.

Pakistan’s call for help should not go unheard

This disaster directly affected 15 million people, including 3 million children. The fate of millions of people who lost their homes will be unknown after the floods are gone. They cannot return to their homes because they do not have a home to go to. The tragedy in Pakistan, where weakness has become the norm, will continue into the future. The critical period has not yet been left behind, but Pakistan will need assistance and support for reconstruction after this disaster.

Pakistan’s call for help should not go unheard, and Pakistan should not be left alone in this struggle. This is because it cannot recover from this disaster and its aftereffects alone. We have a humanitarian duty in Pakistan. By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes and sharing their pain and happiness, we will understand their history much better.

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