Sky is the limit for Pakistan,s ruling elite

Posted@ letusBuildPak

Global Voices

First the million dollar nuptials of Shoab-Sania, than Ishaq Dar,s son,s wedding at Atlantis Palm Jameirah. Mr Dar later showed the 27, 000$ dollar bill of the banquet hall in a TV show, (remaining expenditure of the wedding will remain undeclared! I bet it must have easily crossed the 1 crore  mark! ) modestly admitting, he goes, the expenditure is justified since it is his declared earnings and that he’s a big donor as well, not mentioning even if he’s right; Is it morally acceptable for a Govt representative of his stature to advocate such high-priced lifestyle, when the economy here’s is barely surviving. What kind of ultimately lucrative standards are they setting for their followers?

Moreover, I wonder what really is the limit of spending from one’s declared property? Especially for an office bearer. As corruption, and especially money laundering has been proven Hilal by majority of our rulers! What next? A trip to the moon? So much for the spoilt politicians and now their children.

Likewise, MP son of Sharif’s, the greatest flag bearers of simplicity, and who pay lesser tax than I do, imported a Siberian leopard a while ago. The Leopard needed special dietary requirements and a perfectly air-conditioned room round the clock, while the industry here is dying an unnatural death because of unwarranted load shedding. Though daddy Shahbaz disapproved it, yet such contemplation of a parliamentarian is beyond my mind.

Similar to them are our hypocrite mullahs, who send their own children to the best institutes in the world but always, promote and construct Madrassas here in Pakistan, of course, to keep a steady source of workers and voters. I absolutely have no issue with their kids obtaining foreign qualification, but the least they should do is advocate and toil for a unified curriculum in Pakistan.

The ecstasy of power is exclusive! Expenditures of PM house and Presidency in millions is to everyone’s knowledge. Lately, the £2m Harrods furnishing for Gillani,s place by his wife remained the tittle-tattle. The paradox is, there are no donors for the 2b flood affectees, and when every penny counts, the wealthy rulers are obliviously and religiously busy squandering.

Surrey’s history! Mr. Zardari,s visit to his Chateau in France was disapproved of all over the world as one of the worst flood of the century hit the country. I bet, the rulers abroad must be jealous of the empires he has made out of his job! No wonder, finally Hillary Clinton tells the govt to stringently draw tax from the rich.

The prime minister’s obsession for branded suits is no less trivial, his favorite said to be Bruno Magli costing between £3,000 and £7,000, and reportedly, he does not wear them twice. Instead, he declared to auction them (I doubt anyone showed interest!). Not to forget, the famous tale of family being imported on a chartered plane for a diner with Angelina Jolie, while she was making humble pleas to the world to donate to rescue the 2 billion flood victims.

This list has no end, as more such scandals keep rolling in now and then, given that it’s a “Family First!” policy. These very politicians than advocate simplicity, considering it times of adversity. Instead of pragmatic resolution of issues, they tell us to quit sugar if it is expensive.

Accountability aside, as policy makers and money handlers, what message are they sending across with such lucrative life styles, even if it is their Halal money as they always claim! Had we been an oil-drenching, gold-producing, sheikh land, I would have absorbed such lavish outgoing, but for heaven’s sake this is a war-poverty-flood-hunger-stricken bankrupt Pakistan at the disposal of IMF. Why can’t they postpone their shopping drills until the phase is over?

While they and their children are busy partying, the folks who advocated and demonstrated democracy show different values. There, the rich volunteer to pay more taxes to resolve the crunch, the PM leads from the front in economic crisis and flies in club class on local airways, and their heirs join troops, a tribute, and a symbol of solidarity to those at peril on the frontline.

Shaukat Khanum is not helping much

Posted @ LahorePost Blog

Seems like writing for and mainly  against Imran Khan is in vogue in Pak blogging world. Here is my contribution!

40 yr old Salma, a local villager, was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus. She received treatment from SKMT H and had full recovery. As I met her, I explained to her that cancer is not common cold and that it can recur, so religious follow-up is obligatory. On her follow-up visit at Shaukat Khanum, she was asserted clear.

Weeks later, I found out that she was having similar symptoms again. This time her family chose to take her to the nearby quack who they told me was “qualified” in treating such illnesses and had an excellent medical record. Jolted by the statement, I explained to them the consequences of not seeking professional help, as it could be recurrence of her cancer. Since they were tenants from my local village, I became persuasive and even authoritative. To my utter disappointment the family (otherwise very caring & concerned but ultimately illiterate) rejected  and got her treated first by the specialist quack and later by a peer baba, who I found out charged more than what a doc would have. 6 months later, she died.

It made me realize that she must have been tagged “cured” in SKMTH registers but here she was down in the grave and then I wondered how many more poor “cured” patients in SKMTH record actually met the same destiny. I don’t have any post-hospital discharge statistics, but I suppose almost all the impoverished who are “cured” per hospital record, IF get recurrence, end up having fate similar to Salma.

Cancer after cure needs from minimum 2 yrs up to lifelong follow-up. The gullible poor in Pak cannot afford such lucrative follow-ups. Even if the hospital charges nothing, they have their own social and financial issues (travelling, food and lodging cost/issues etc) and they are too naïve to handle such jagged situations.

I believe institutes of excellence like SKMTH are serving only the affluent, some meagre and of course doctors. Unless, an appropriate infrastructure is built in terms of health and education, I am afraid erecting centers of excellence in the name of poor is yielding little, they cannot be utilized to their optimum capability, and no matter what they do they can never justly serve 70% of our indigent population.

One million spent on Salma,s treatment went down the drain by the end of the day. Obviously, SKMTH is not at all at fault. I blame a nonexistent public health system and illiteracy for that. Besides, optimum health & education services can never be attained by relying  solely on humanitarian organizations without the earnest involvement of the state and hence politicians.

As a matter of fact, Salma’s local GP should have summoned her after her discharge from the hospital. The GP than should have kept a record of her future appointments. In addition, she and her family should have been educated enough or at least have had baseline knowledge and awareness of her disease.

Irrefutably, altruism is a pursuit of the past and must be taken as a temporary way out. Otherwise, it results in callous, unending exploitation of the deprived. Circumstances have gone downhill. Now, I reckon this similar to an act involving attack on civilians from the top and later on tendering aid from the ground.

Moreover, the state has turned a blind eye over decades and has shed most of her health responsibility by deviously assigning the task to philanthropists and doctors – victims of collateral damage I would say. In fact, the state has manipulated doctors and humanitarians in the name of humanity for her advantage to cover her shortcomings. Doctors in Pak govt teaching hospitals spend 70% of their time & energy in arranging free investigations & medicines for poor patients (when practically they should be receiving medical training).

Evidently, Social work has limited upshots. In chaotic conditions such as we are in, one should consider pragmatic solution. It appears, political solution is the present and the future now. And for that matter, All politicians should turn into philanthropists and all philanthropists should join politics.

Health and education is the responsibility of the state and if they are unable to endow it, they should resign. Unless the state takes hold of her responsibility and demonstrate practical results, not mere slogans and policies, perpetual exploitation of everyone including patients, poor, and philanthropists will carry on.

 

“White Poison” Industry necessitates radical reforms

Originally posted @All Things Pakistan

The sugar scam resurfaces yet again. Skyrocketing sugar prices, in an environment where inflation is already a critical concern, is only adding fuel to the fire. Concisely, a whole chain involving politicians, ministers, mafias etc are said to be responsible. To begin with, I am unable to understand the mere basis of this industry. What is the gain? Apart from jeopardizing health, discontent farmers and public frustration now and then. Was it meant for exports? If yes, how can a commodity be exported contentedly when it is unattainable for a massive own population? Cane it seems is no more a cash crop.

The saga is more complex than it appears to be. To get down to it; minor farmers are bullied because of the manipulative legislation that does not allow farmers in specified areas around the mills to do crushing on their own. They are destined to give away their crop to the mills on conditions prescribed by the industry. According to the sugar factory control act 1950 (this is an old one, but very similar legislation exists even today, cud nt find a link on net)

“The Cane Commissioner may, after consulting the Board, issue an order declaring any area to be reserved area for the purposes of the supply of cane to a particular factory during a particular crushing season or seasons, and may likewise, at any time, cancel such order or alter the boundaries of an area so reserved”. Also,

“If the cane growers or Cane Growers’ Co-operative Societies in the assigned area are not willing to enter into agreement to supply, the Cane Commissioner may, by an order in writing, require them to do so on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by him, which order shall be legally binding on the cane growers or the Cane Growers’ Co-operative Societies, as the case may be”

Such legislation has led to the growth of an unwanted, uncalled for industry in Pakistan. In what way is it aiding to the progress of the country?

Health hazards of this “Chemically treated Chemical”, also known as “White Poison”, is an acclaimed fact now. In brief, refined sugar is obtained after processing, using several chemicals like phosphoric acid, formic acid, sulfur dioxide, preservatives, and/or any flocculents, surfactants, bleaching agents or viscosity modifiers. All vitamins (A,D,B complex), minerals, proteins, fats, enzymes, fiber and every nutrient is removed during the process.

Ironically, no research facility is available in Pakistan to tell you if there are other indigenous causes of the Diabetes mellitus epidemic in the country, apart from the usual risk factors like genetic predisposition, changed lifestyle etc, though references linking refined sugar to Diabetes are available.

“Refined white sugar is to a large extent to blame for some forms of diabetes, whose victims face the threat of blindness and other serious impairments, not to mention heart disease, stroke, schizophrenia, alcoholism, and possibly some kinds of cancer,” according to Dr. Robert D. McCracken, University of California (UCLA) anthropologist”.

Well, sugar being sugar is unhealthy, but unlike raw sugar, the refined sugar rushes through the stomach wall, and stimulates excessive secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

The traditional raw sugar, or muscovado sugar or “shakar” as we call it, is made by evaporated cane juice. It is already reasonably refined, free of dyes and chemicals and contains mineral salts, fiber, and vitamins as well.

West has acknowledged the worth of naturally acquired food and is raising “Go Green” slogans, thereby promoting the new trend of organics. Gradually recognizing the hazards of refined and processed food, theirs slow twist in lifestyles; organics is now much more expensive and represents class and flair as compared to the so-called refined or synthetic. Since we the complexed faction of sub-continent do what the west does, and devotedly refrain from using own brains, so in this respect particularly, I believe the trend of traditionally made sugar be revived in Pakistan.

Such a trend in our region, if promoted, can have remarkable impact. Apart from health safety, it will help counter exploitative mill owners mostly politicians, and prevent manipulation of small farmers. Increased awareness will raise demand and perhaps some day sugar industry and mafia that controls it will die a natural death. BTW, Brown sugar is a refined or partially refined form of white sugar with some molasses mixed in and not at all a substitute of raw sugar.

To get rid of sugar crisis once for good, radical measures must be adopted, including earnest will and an amendment in the sugar factory control constitution. I cannot see a point in breeding such an industry, which is more of a nuisance than a benefit.

It should only be limited to provision of sugar for industrial use and available resources be shifted to certain new feasible industry.

Thriving on your own charity

…a flood rehab donation reminder!

Rehabilitation is underway in the flood-hit regions of Pakistan. Key players in this reconstruction include numerous NGO,s working strenuously in the field. Billions have been collected by them through charity given by Pakistanis alone, though efforts of international community indeed is well appreciated. However, considering a catastrophe of biblical scale, it is not surprising that 7 million still lack shelter according to a UN report and 30 billion dollars is estimated by World Bank for rehab. More recently,Oxfam has cited,

“The funding shortfall is so serious that existing regular food rations to 3.5 million people could be in jeopardy,”

Hence, still a long way to go.

It is being said that of the foreign aid pledged to Pakistan, only 20% has reached so far. Looking at the corruption graph, it is evident where that too would be spent. But, it is a time of crisis and the nation along with the NGO,s must stretch their efforts for more money.

Pakistanis are one wonderful nation, resilient and altruistic. Nevertheless, challenges continue as cholera and dengue hits now. No wonder, we possess the potential to manage the debacle on our own. In this respect, I could not resist mentioning the work of some brilliant organizations active in the filed.

Citizens Foundation; Apart from distributing 20 million meals in all provinces and providing food rations to families returning home, they are now working on rehab of more than 60 school units, as well as construction of new schools. Khidmat Foundation is running couple of rehabilitation programmes including micro credit. Islamic Relief USA coordinated a $23 million aid shipment filled with medical supplies.

After proving their mettle in relief activities and collecting a record 2 billion+ donation, MKRF and IKRF are now focused on rehabilitation. Their project includes provision of wheat seeds for flood-hit farmers owning 25 acres of land. The scheme will cost Rs 600 million and benefit 200,000 affected farm families. Under the scheme, certified and good quality seeds will be made available to farmers for 150,000 acres of land. Apart from this, houses, micro credit and health facilities are also being made available.

Subsequent to relief efforts, Pakistan Army is busy in rehab activities now. Army has completed as many as 49 Schools, 15 Health units, 11 Mosques, houses and roads in various areas of Southern Punjab. Extensive Army Engineer’s effort is underway to restore communication infrastructure in Swat and repair of Karakorum Highway. Likewise, many acknowledged organizations like Edhi, Zindaagi trust, Madad, News channels relief funds have their share.

These are only handful compared to scores of others operational in the field, doing exceptional work. All that is indispensable is more and more donations from our own resources first. For instance, A little change in lifestyle is the demand of time.

• Setup a direct debit for at least 6 months for a particular amount of money that you can easily donate.
• Give away the amount equivalent to every restaurant visit to the affectees.
• Dig out your winter wardrobe; give away warm clothes -people are dying of cold now.
• Spend less on clothes and accessories this season and donate the savings.
• Eid is round the corner. I advocate, scholars should declare that instead of slaughter, the cattle this time be distributed among the affected. This is a sacrifice that God will accept Inshallah.
• Make a resolution as not to eat junk for a couple of months, instead donate that money. Relish your body as well as your soul!

Let’s rebuild Pakistan, and make “opportunity out of misery” really happen.

Donate Generously!

Posted @Pak Spectator

Supreme Court is the new GHQ in Pakistan

….But can it eloquently dispense Change?

History has witnessed FOUR Marshal Laws in Pakistan. Pakistanis are well aware, what happens when their politicians get too naughty to handle! But, state of affairs have taken a new course lately never seen before in the history of Pakistan. NRO scam, Swiss scandal, row over 18^th amendment, clash between judiciary and presidency, but eccentrically resilient higher judiciary in the absence of substantial military intrusion is new to this part of the world. Therefore, consequence is unseen.

Rumors about “investing” in judiciary have been around for a while with scams of Nawaz bribing judges and “Dr” Awan buying off lawyers. It seems the buzz has taken a practical course now! As a significant verdict of Supreme Court concerning NRO is approaching, it appears all the parties are playing their cards in the best of their interests!

“Change” is the new change in the rapidly evolving Pak politics, which escalated after the world witnessed empathic attitude of govt officials and their poorest governance in providing flood relief. While military continued the relief silently, it re-emerged as a leading and regimented force, wining hearts once again. So much so, that the discourse eventually lead to talks about, army interference in some way and bringing in technocrats to govern, have started. There are rants about alternate options for in-house change. Political Parties are uniting, and, new parties are being created in an attempt to enter power corridors. Talks about midterm elections after establishing a free election commission are in vogue. Some predict a revolution is about to happen bloody or soft. Contrary to all the fuss, some are still adamant that everything is perfect, and that they will complete their tenure and will be re-elected! (God forbid)

All options come to a dead-end. Only possible change is through judiciary now. Nevertheless, the recent tussle between judges and lawyers undermine its impression as a responsible institute. Chief Justice restored by the people after a worldly acknowledged campaign against two consecutive governments, though many do not admire, but now carries a huge responsibility on his shoulders. Moreover, even though he himself is an ex-PCO judge, but will now have to live up to the expectations of people, defending his oath and maintaining sacredness of his office. NRO ball & 18^th amendment is now in his hands, which will undeniably change the pattern of future politics in Pakistan towards a positive side. Otherwise, only bringing about in-house change without tackling the “supreme commander” and other NRO beneficiaries will yield absolutely no change.

While in this post-Musharraf era, GHQ has resolutely distanced itself from political endeavors, striving to regain the pride army enjoys in Pakistan and is quite successful in achieving that so far. GHQ has limited itself to war on terror, and now flood rehab, with no direct political involvement whatsoever. In addition, the COAS enjoys the repo of being “pro-democratic”. In this vacuum and realizing the new powers of judiciary, SC has become the new battleground between lame, immature politicians and judges. Only difference is, as compared to generals and military; the lawyers, and judges enjoy a far more corrupt reputation. Considering the recent bar-bench brawl, question is will the course of events be in favor of the country or judges?

Army being the only established institute in Pakistan had to intervene, unconstitutionally though, in times of crisis. Judiciary being one of the most corrupt institutes has the exceptional opportunity to intervene constitutionally, in the times of crisis.

Will the judiciary be able to dispense soberly what GHQ has been delivering for decades – A change??    No one has the answer yet, but the answer lies with judiciary!    Fingers crossed!

Posted @ Let us Build Pakistan, GlobalVoices

PakSpectator

Kashmir awaits flotilla

While 20% of Pakistan is submerged in water and Pakistanis are facing the worst and most widespread natural disaster in the living history. There, on the western border, we are stuck in an exigent WOT. Superadded to this now is the rapidly changing dynamics in the Indian occupied Kashmir.

For the last 3 months, freedom struggle in Kashmir has escalated, resulting in killing of more than 100 since June. As a consequence of “Mass graves” and thousands of “Missing persons “over the years, now more women and children than ever, actually widows and orphans of those martyred or abducted by Indian army are marching on the streets in Kashmir. The Indian military has blocked all sorts of telecommunication means and Kashmir has been barricaded. However, the overwhelming resistance that the largest military occupation force in the world is experiencing at this moment is unforeseen and Indian junta for the first time appears to be helpless.

Palestine and Kashmir has scores of similarities. Both conflicts originated in 1948 because of illegal occupation of their territories and barely surviving the clasp of two superlative militaries ever since. It is the 4^th generation of these two nations suffering and fighting for justice. Both, erupted huge wars in Arab and Indian sub-continent during the last 60 years, resulting in the emergence of three nuclear powers; Israel, India & Pakistan. In both the places, stonepelters are retorted with bullets and freedom fighters are considered terrorists, and, both are eminent for the beauty of their inhabitants.

While the Arabs have successfully projected the Palestinian issue (not that it is resolved, but at least the world is aware), Pakistan and Pakistanis never highlighted it in that manner, hence the world recognizes Gaza, but is oblivious to Kashmir blockade. A trivial attack in Gaza and the whole world knows, but as regards Kashmir, they remain uninformed. Though, oppression and massacre of any kind and anywhere is unjustified and must be condemned. But the point is, it only indicates far better lobbying on part of Arabs as compared to Kashmiris or Pakistanis.

Had there been a daring government in Pakistan at this point of time, this could have been a wonderful opportunity to take Kashmir issue to a higher ground, and perhaps, solving it entirely to free Kashmiris from the ruthless Indian forces, allowing them to live in accordance to their will. But lets not blame the state all the time, even the Pakistani nation, as well as immigrant Kashmiris settled all over the world have not done their homework over the decades. Had they accentuated the issue over the years, than expectantly today in spite of a spineless ruling elite, they could have evoked a fervent response, enough to grab the attention of the world towards the massacre.

I recall these immigrant Palestinian class fellows, literally crying for carnage in Palestine, I remember this half-Palestinian, half-British girl, who had never been to Palestine, but respecting her roots, she urged everyone to help and raise voice for Palestine, literally every time she met. Only recently, we all witnessed March of flotillas, air force being airborne, zealous Protestants on social networking sites and ardent demonstrations all over the world.

This is the spirit I am talking about, that is seriously lacking amongst Pakistanis, and, particularly a huge number of Kashmiri immigrants living lavish life abroad as well as in Pakistan. My perspective is, particularly as a Pakistani, we might not be pardoned for Kashmir, as they have historical links and deeper social ties with us. I wonder, if the Indian lobby is stronger than the Jewish, or whether nuclear Pakistan is weaker than Palestine. Why, we have never been pro-active as regards Kashmir? Kashmir needs flotillas today. Common at least raise voice, it does not even cost anything!

Linked @GlobalVoices

“Enlightened Moderation” is the foundation of Islam

While pursuing my quest to dig up the truth, I comprehend; we can equitably consider ourselves liberal and liberated, modern and enlightened. I ll tell you how. Precisely, the foundation of Islam is “enlightened moderation”; not Mushi,s much loved enlightened moderation! I wish someone should have taught him Iqbal!

Allama Iqbal,s reasoning of religious reconstruction, supplemented by his contemporary, progressive & forward-looking approach is enlightened moderation in its concrete wisdom to me. Iqbal perfectly eradicates qualms of the Islamophobes & outline design to moderate radicalization. We do not have to look like barbarians, promote outdated punishments, & hence create islamophobes, neither do we have to claim to be secular in an attempt to project a modern outlook coherent with 21^st century.

“ The main purpose of the Quran is to awaken in man the higher consciousness of his manifold relations with God and the universe “he goes “…and the individual achieves a free personality, not by releasing himself from the fetters of the law, but by discovering the ultimate source of the law within the depths of his own consciousness.”

Iqbals, enlightened moderation, unlike Musharaf,s could give us precise guidance and can bridge gap between extremists and liberals. It is a solution to religious sectarianism and can unite us on one platform regarding religious orientation. We appreciate him as a thinker, mystic and a mentor. But where are the principals he advocated being practiced? Irony is that, he was never understood & followed till to date, hence confusion over religion persists.

To begin with, “Eternal principal”- that is Toheed & spirituality, is the essence of enlightened moderation and the keystone to religious enterprise. Spirituality by no means mean taweez, dhumal, amil baba-the mehboob qudmoon mein type!pasand ke shadi mintoon mein! Frankly, in our society today we are more accustomed with the negative aspects of spirituality than the positive influence. Thanks to our Gaddi-nashhens and fake fakeers for distorting the impression of spirituality & thanks to mullas for overlooking it altogether. People especially from villages, though many educated ones as well who have faith in mysticism go in search of babas & fakirs, and end up with fake fakirs, turning them into superstitious and apprehensive beings.
In reality, spirituality is probity, morality, honor, and character molding to man’s ideal nature. It is meditation, purification and surrendering oneself to one Allah. It is about reviving and utilizing man’s hidden powers of khudi. As Paulo coehlo tweets “Spirituality is not all about meditation & praying, you have to act it!” To whom is it more significant today than us? The ultimate solution to the turmoil around.

” Islam demands loyalty to God, not to thrones. and since god is the ultimate spiritual basis of all life, loyalty to God virtually amounts to man,s loyalty to his own ideal nature“ –says Iqbal

Nonetheless, Iqbal,s vision is not even  traditional Sufism , in fact he rejects ascetic Sufism calling it medieval mysticism. He blames “total “other-worldliness” as obscuring one,s vision as regard islam as a social polity” – one reason for arrest in evolution of islam in last few centuries. Imperative point here is that, his idea is rather of a dynamic Sufism. His Sufi is worldly wise, more practical & pragmatic. Concisely, he is a hermit at night and a knight in the day!!

“It is the lot of man to share in the deeper aspirations of the universe around him and to shape his own destiny as well as that of the universe, now by adjusting himself to its forces, now by putting the whole of his energy to mould its forces to his own ends and purposes. And in this process of progressive change God becomes a co-worker with him, provided man takes the initiative.”

“if he does not take the initiative, if he does not evolve the inner richness of his being, if he ceases to feel the inward push of advancing life, then the spirit within him hardens into stone and he is reduced to the level of dead matter.”

In order to groom ourselves into enlightened religious beings, first credentials “eternal principal” & Khudi is utterly important. We should possess intuit of innovation & creativity. We should have grasp of religious knowledge as well as should be well versed in worldly matters. All rounders-it seems!

Posted @ PakistanFirst

http://pak1stanfirst.com/201009202689/articles/letter-to-editor/enlightened-moderation-is-the-foundation-of-islam.html

Organization,more than donations is required

Donations are pouring in from internal resources, plus Pakistanis abroad. Credible NGO,s have geared up and Pakistani people are sane enough to know where to donate. I, once in a long while liked what sharifs said about showing reliance on your own resources first.

Many international celebs like Angelina Jolie, Paulo Coehlo, Rafael Nadal, queen Rania of Jordan have made appeals for donations, apart from repeated UN appeals. So we are in the limelight yet again! This time for a change, as a sufferer rather than as a terrorist. But as the situation evolves, I seem to dislike it. It is somehow damaging our self-esteem and casting an impression of a molested nation. Damn, we r not Haiti, neither Africa, we are Pakistan; we can bounce back no matter what the hurdles are, or for that matter, how much corrupt the governance is. We have what is rare round the world – the magnanimity of our hearts. Seriously, we possess the potential to spring back with our own resources & without begging for international aid.

I believe, more than heavy donation; an outstanding organization will save us. With appropriate organization & co-ordination, we can surmount the issue of low budget. More can become less, if managed inappropriately. Less can become more if handled in a disciplined and organized manner. Without proper organization, some areas will remain thrifty, while aid and rehab will be subjected to others.

As the Indus is reined free in the South, water in the north has somewhat calmed down. Water has receded from much of the NWFP. Without hinging on to the govt, NGO,s should now come forward right away. They should organize, divide areas, and start reconstruction & rehab on their own. The lesser the time the displaced people spend in the camps, the lower will be spent on their food & shelter, and especially medicine (for outbreaks) which these days are much more expensive than food & shelter. Moving the displaced back to their homes as soon as possible will reduce the funds spent on diseases that they would encounter in camps.

With apt management, (even leaving out the government) Pak is one unique nation that holds the potential to handle such astounding catastrophe. For a change, let us do the building on our own without repetitively begging international donors, as charity begins at home!

Is the country moving towards anarchy?

Yesterday midnight, few half-clad and unkempt men, broke into a house in a posh locality in Islamabad, using hammers and knifes. They hunt for food & dined on what was available in the kitchen, took away food and money, and eloped.

I hope not, but is it a promo of what the future holds for us? Unless and until, the government starts behaving, the security of the entire population is at stake. Moreover, unless the unaffected population shows enthusiasm and connection with the victims, we are doomed.

Three weeks have passed since the heavy floods, and still no policy has been prepared by the government, mere slogans. From day one, they should have imposed emergency at national level. The situation on ground is equally worse. Politicians are fighting for their own houses and lands. Sufferers are living in inhumane conditions. Govt elite are not ready to cooperate & unite with each other.

Even if a few thousand of these 20 million affectees rushed to urban areas, they will play havoc with the law & order situation and already wrecked economy of the country. And if that happened nobody will be spared, neither the governing elite nor the disconnected nation.

Time to wake up: both the government & the nation, otherwise we are moving towards an anarchic situation.

Posted @ PakSpectator

Solution of the debacle:Adopt a family!

Almost 3 weeks since heavy flooding -Pakistan immediately needs an emergency flood relief policy

Concerns are being raised as regards credibility as well as competency of the government to manage the flood disaster. Although, government should not solely be blamed, as the calamity is exceedingly large to be handled by the state alone. Albeit, bearing in mind the magnanimity of Pak nation on such occasions, this attribute should be capitalized to its optimum level. However, unexpectedly, since mass motivation is not observed because of known reasons, different and organized strategy needs to be adopted this time. Solution is easy.

Government should immediately make public Short-term & long-term relief plans. After initial acute management of flood victims, which perhaps would be done in a month or so, there should be a well-mapped long-term management strategy. Political parties should engage technocrats rather than dumb MP, s for better policymaking. A policy on paper was never as crucial as it is now! BTW, our politicians have 64 yr old expertise in fashioning policies (minus implementation), hence seems like an easiest task for them!

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Shortterm Management incorporates basic utilities like temporary shelters, food, clean water, & medicines for outbreaks. State and army should manage this. They should use their own resources & whatever international donors have donated so far  to PM,CM funds. UNHCR, s is already helping.

Long-term management would include rehabilitation like building houses, providing a source of income (cattles for most & other alternatives). Sufferers would be needing homes before winter – Their, the government should slot in public & NGO,s. They can engage public on basis of “adopt a family “fashion.

Collecting data of affected families will not be that demanding and must be processed immediately. State can use NADRA record, Benazir income support record, also last years IDP,s registrations etc to gather data. Most of the sufferers belong to the poorest soceo-economic class of Pakistan. Once the record is compiled, the state should make an appeal to the public to “adopt a family” for a particular period until they are sheltered. Likewise, On larger scale NGO,s can adopt a village or town . Therefore, people can donate based on trust & feasibility. I believe this time people will come forward and donate in person, once the water recedes & rains stop. This is rational, and should be channelized in an organized manner by the state.

This will entail less fund management on part of the government and will improve transparency. In long-term management state can limit its responsibility mainly to building basic infrastructure like bridges, damaged canals, barrages, dams etc.& leave rehab to general public & NGO,s.

In addition, Since Ramadan is on and at this point of time, it is virtually impossible for the government to manage timely, two time meals (without making them rancid) on such a huge scale and this is creating more frustration among the public. Religious Scholars should come forward and make a combined consensus regarding fasting in the affected areas.

This time, contrary to the earthquake2005, & Swat IDP,s, management seems distinctive because touchwood, number of deaths are far less compared to the colossal area that’s involved. But, financial loss is magnanimous, superimposed by distrust created by governments massive corruption concerning fund handling over years. Hence, exceptional measures will have to be embraced. Meanwhile donate!

Posted @ ProPakistan

PakSpectator