Crescent Magazine

By Waseem Shehzad

Pakistan’s worst-ever floods have not only killed more than 2,000 people and affected an estimated 20 million others, they have also exposed government incompetence and its complete lack of concern for the people. In fact, there appears to be no government at all, if one ignores the vacuous statements issued by hypocritical politicians in Islamabad repeating the now familiar mantra in front of television cameras, “the government is doing its best” and appeals to the “international community” for help. Amid the massive deluge, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, ministers and members of the National Assembly (MNA) have indulged in obscene theatrics. In several instances, ministers and MNAs have staged fake relief camps to be seen on TV distributing food among the needy. These camps folded the moment the minister or MNA left the scene.

   Zardari has been equally callous, his already low standing falling many notches down. He left the country on August 2 on a tour of France and England. The overwhelming majority of people questioned the wisdom of the visits at a time when the country was faced with such a catastrophe. Zardari as well as his spokesmen said he was not the chief executive; the prime minister was dealing with the situation. In any case, his presence in the country would not have made much difference. This is true; he is irrelevant. Many people wished he would stay away in France or England. He is a bad omen; if he were to go, his dark shadow would be lifted from Pakistan.