Pakistan Floods and International Community's Response

Prime Minister Gillani has said that the government has the ability and will to handle the challenge but needs assistance from the international community. Pakistan army is busy rescuing people. Helicopters can be seen flying above roofs of destroyed houses to pluck people stuck there. General Kayani himself is leading the rescue and relief operations. 

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Whereas, the response from the international community is at best sluggish. However, the United States has responded immediately to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started on July 29. Their response has been consistent but relaxed at times.  The two pronged response includes both financial assistance and the immediate provision of urgently needed supplies and services, drawing on 'unique' U.S. capabilities. U.S. military helicopters supporting relief and rescue operations in partnership with the Pakistani military so far today have rescued approximately 916 people and transported 89,000 pounds of relief supplies.


It must be noted that the US government responded generously after 2005 earthquake. These efforts are commendable but the scale and magnitude of this disaster is much more — the landmass afflicted by flooding is 130,000 sq km in comparison with 30,000 sq km hit by the 2005 earthquake — and the number of people affected by the tragedy has already reached 14 millions and still growing. Given its potential, the international community and particularly the United States needs to do more to help the victims of the worst floods in loving memory.  If ever there was an opportunity to win the hearts and minds of Pakistanis, then this is it.


On a personal note, the Pakistan bashing, slanderous comments and abusive views regarding the flood victims are being made on the social media by many Indians. This is shameful act on their part. What happened to secularism and Gandhi's ideology of peace?