WHEN faced with crises, proactive governments go into damage-control mode and react with a mix of empathy and spin, projecting an image of concern. However, the PPP-led Sindh government prefers to deal with crises in an insensitive, even crass manner.

Take the example of the recent deaths of infants in Thar. While indeed every death cannot be blamed on the inefficiency of the administration, the manner in which senior Sindh government officials have reacted is cringe-worthy and completely devoid of compassion.

For example, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has said the deaths have been “exaggerated” and that it was not possible for the government to know about every death in the desert. He added it was an “injustice” to hold the Sindh government responsible. And what about PPP MNA Imran Zafar Leghari’s reported comments questioning what the “big deal” was “if a few of them die” in hospital?

The words of Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Maula Bux Chandio and Senior Minister Nisar Khuhro while visiting Mithi’s Civil Hospital were no less abhorrent.

The gentlemen said that Thari children were dying because of the “carelessness of mothers and underage marriage”, and that the government should not be blamed for the poor performance of the health department.

Over 60 children have reportedly died in Thar due to malnutrition and waterborne diseases since the beginning of January.

The children’s families have criticised the lack of medicine and other facilities at government health centres.

Yet, instead of empathising with the bereaved parents and promising to address the structural deficiencies that allow such tragedies to occur, Sindh’s rulers have reacted with brashness.

Governments elsewhere in Pakistan are also guilty of failing to deliver good governance. When confronted with criticism, elected representatives should admit their mistakes and promise to rectify them. In this case, criticism is termed a ‘conspiracy’ against democracy.

The fact is the biggest disservice to democracy is failing the people in whose name our leaders rule, and worse, brushing aside their miseries in such a callous manner.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2016