|
|
|
| October 26, 2005 | Wednesday | Ramzan 21, 1426 |
Unprecedented response
ISLAMABAD: While international response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Pakistan has been tremendous, a few countries have particularly surprised Pakistan. For instance, the Russian response exceeded all expectations. Even Foreign Office mandarins conceded that they were overwhelmed.
Russia was among the first few countries that responded before the Pakistani state could shake itself out of the shock caused by the sheer scale of the Oct 8 tragedy. It dispatched help right away in a stream of special cargo planes. It sent search and rescue teams with four sniffer dogs; 30 tons of material including 110 tents, 2,300 blankets, mattresses, pillows and camp beds. Also, two mobile power generators, a mobile hospital, medical personnel, medicines and a 70-member field hospital.
Despite all the American bashing on the streets of Pakistan in the past, the US government rose to the occasion in the aftermath of the quake and did prove that it was a dependable friend and ally of the people of Pakistan. Even hardcore US critics acknowledged the special efforts made for the Bush administration, both in substantial and symbolic terms.
Massive and critical relief assistance in cash and kind came aboard special American aircraft and ships. Pakistan’s most critical requirement was also met in the form of Chinook helicopters that saved hundreds of the lives. US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Pakistan embassy in Washington and then President George W. Bush himself went there to express his grief and sympathy. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice also made a short trip to Islamabad to convey the condolences and support of the US government. Her trip was followed by a brief and reassuring visit by US Central Command Chief Gen John Abizaid who went to the affected areas in the NWFP and AJK.
Many here who had expected a somewhat similar show of solidarity from India were disappointed. Despite some reports from across the border, no Indian leader made an effort to come and express solidarity in this moment of crisis. Although the Indian government was swift to offer relief assistance, it was felt that it could have dispatched a representative to convey a personal message of sympathy and support.
Perhaps the head of India’s ruling Congress Party, Ms Sonia Gandhi, or her son Rahul Gandhi, who was treated as a state guest when he visited Pakistan with his sister Priyanka to watch a cricket match, could have made a short trip.
It is a pity that even amidst such great tragedy, Pakistan and India had a side-show running. A crude and unnecessary point-scoring exercise, laced with decades of distrust, went on during the first week. On several statements and reports emanating from India — whether on the issue of opening up the LoC, on calls for joint Indo-Pakistan relief operations, on airlifting of stranded Indian Sikhs from AJK, on Indian soldiers crossing the LoC to help Pakistani troops, on permission to fly Pakistani helicopters in peacetime ‘no fly zone’ and on India’s offer of helicopters —
the Pakistan foreign office and ISPR spokespersons were compelled to issue clarifications and contradictions.
While the international community’s initial response to the crisis has been heart-warming and its contribution to the immediate relief efforts commendable, there are growing concerns in foreign policy circles about the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase. They fear that the post-October 8 spirit exhibited by the international community may dissipate and the flow of assistance may dry up after the dust settles. According to a Pakistani diplomat, the foreign pledges made so far are way too inadequate for the actual requirements.
The quote one official they are a drop in the ocean. Even top UN officials have repeatedly echoed this concern. Extraordinary assistance for extraordinary tragedy is required — that is the overriding message to all donors from Islamabad.
Streamlined and assured timely delivery to the affected populace remains an obvious concern among the diplomatic corps. Logistics for distribution and prudent use of relief goods are seen as a key issue. The emphasis is on putting in place a mechanism of checks and balances to guard against pilferage and nepotism.
There have also been comments that in spite of the claims of a democratic order in place, neither of the two key national relief and reconstruction bodies established in the aftermath of the earthquake is headed by a civilian. Both have army generals at their head.
|
|
|
|
