Islamabad: Speaking on Pakistan’s famous digital network Talkies Live, former Federal Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani and former Federal Secretary Ashfaq Gondal sharply criticized the government’s lack of seriousness regarding the devastations caused by the ongoing floods. The two highly respected public figures, who have proven their expertise at the helm of government in previous tenures, have demanded that political “photo-op visits” be banned and that Field Marshal General Asim Munir should form a special task force for flood relief under his direct supervision.
They stated that the ruling elite is busy staging photo-ops while the true extent of the destruction caused by the floods is being concealed, the horrific consequences of which are enough to send shivers down the spine. They highlighted that livestock, crops, and homes have been destroyed on a nationwide scale, leaving large populations helpless under the open sky. The deadly waves, after having wreaked havoc in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, are now poised to devastate Sindh.
Although a natural disaster, this was not unexpected and despite knowing everything in advance the government chose to do nothing.
Even today while the catastrophe looms, yet rulers are busy in foreign trips showing no concern towards the plight of the people. Muhammad Ali Durrani expressed regret, noting that the Prime Minister is currently in China with an entourage of ministers and advisors for the SCO conference, where the world’s attention could have been drawn to this disaster, but not a single word was uttered by him. The government’s irresponsibility is such that after the previous floods, the United Nations estimated damages of $15 billion and requested rehabilitation plans from the government to allocate these funds under climate change initiatives. However, the government could only provide plans worth $3 billion. The injustice is that the recent devastations are being covered up, and the media is being coerced into reporting that “all is well.”
Durrani emphasized that no one truly realizes that people have been completely ruined. Immense loss of life and property has created an atmosphere of mourning everywhere, yet politicians are rubbing salt in the public’s wounds by laughing in this somber environment. The public has grown distrustful of these “Nero’s successors.”
The NDMA and provincial disaster management authorities have lost their credibility, and now, another storm of inflation looms after the floods. There is also a fear of disease outbreaks following the floods, and the rehabilitation of victims remains a significant question mark.
In these challenging times, the public appreciates the dedication with which Pakistan’s armed forces and Rangers have assisted the affected. There is an urgent need for Field Marshal General Asim Munir to form a special task force under his supervision, free from political showmen. This task force should include students, social workers, and technical experts to accurately assess the damages and devise a practical rehabilitation plan. Furthermore, delegations from the IMF and other international organizations should be taken to the affected areas so they can witness the destruction and take practical steps to address the crisis.
Muhammad Ali Durrani emphasized that this is a critical time, and if the wounds of the public were not healed and they continued to witness hollow promises of political performers, the country could, God forbid, descend into a major civil conflict.
