PAKISTAN.. IN QUAGMIRE OF CRISES

It would not be wrong to say that the tenure of present government has been an "ERA OF CRISES" for my beloved countrymen. My deprived Pakistani nation that has already been suffering many crises, these days has become victim of Disasters.There have been difficult situations since the creation of Pakistan but I don't think so many crises have hit us in such quick succession ever before.

Disasters are classified into two types Natural Disaster and Man made Disaster. In the month of April Pakistan suffered both types. The Siachen Tragedy, AirPlane Crash and the continuation of violence in Karachi.

An avalanche engulfed an army camp high in the mountains of Kashmir, leaving up to 135 people dead. The Siachen Glacier is where Pakistani and Indian troops face off on what is known as the world’s highest battlefield. Efforts of Pak Army to find soldiers still continue but it seems these are going to end up in smoke.

One of the worst aviation tragedy in Pakistan took place when Bhoja Airline's Islamabad-bound maiden flight # B4-213 carrying 125 people crashed near the Chaklala airbase. In Karachi, hundreds of people gathered outside the airport to inquire about relatives who had departed on the flight to Islamabad. It was heart wrenching to see Women, men and children crying after finding the names of loved ones on the list of passengers displayed by the airline. 

Karachi Violence that claimed more than 1500 lives in the year 2011, is on the rise again. Target killings, kidnaping, torchurs still continued in this megacity. Metropolitan city currently suffering worst clashes in the area of Lyari. The same Lyari that blindly followed Bhuttos and proud on their legacy of "Jiye Bhutto" are suffering horrible situation during PPP Government. The terrified residents of Lyari claimed that due to the operation, they had been confined to their homes and in the exchange of fire between the police and gangsters, bullets had entered their homes, creating fear and panic among the residents. People of Lyari feel betrayed and abandoned by PPP Government.

 Its a fact that no one can stop disasters but we can control the intensity of damage. Unfortunately we witnessed true mediocracy of responsible authorities and lack of credibilities to control the situation. It is difficult but its not impossible as we see through out the world.

When 135 Soldiers burried alive in Siachen while defending their country The Supreme Commander of Pakistan Army was on a private visit to India where he donated $1m to shrine. His non serious and irresponsible attitude towards the tragic loss reminds us when 33 miners were buried alive in Chile, Chilean President "Sebastian Pinera" monitored the rescue operation until the last miner was rescued, whom he hugged and said: “You are not the same, and the country is not the same after this. You were an inspiration,” and then led the crowd in singing the national anthem. He proved Napoleon’s saying right: “A leader is a dealer in hope.” 

The panic, irresponsibility and worst disaster management that we saw after Bhoja Airline Crash was enough to realize us the seriousness of authorities and their poor planning skills.

Modern techniques and equipment cannot avert either natural or man-made disasters but surely use of available resources, comprehensive planning, and effective training to agencies handling calamities can reduce the consequences. No one takes interest in knowing the reasons why Pakistan continuously facing air crashes. This is same Pakistan that ones had outstanding talent in aeronautics and provided its tremendous support in establishing "Emirates Airlines" which has never faced an air crash with fatalities so far and one of the best airlines of the world.

Japan faced most horrific earthquake recently but we see brilliant disaster management skills and still Japan is one of the largest economy. I remember prime minister "Naoto Kan" quickely addressed and assure the nation.Taking into account the propensity of this damage and comparing it with other disasters. Moreover keeping the nation calm is the foremost thing to be done in such a situation. But we lack that kind of ardent and responsible  leadership.

Karachi Violence that has claimed hundreds of life and inflicts  the economy of not only this city but entire country does not seems to end under this Government. Solving Karachi issue is not impossible as we know the example of "Mayor Rudi Giuliani" of NewYork City who infiltrated some of the most powerful Mafia crime families and indicted eleven organized crime figures on charges including extortion, labor racketeering, and murder for hire. He curbed Mafia and criminals and cleaned up the mess.

The above examples were set by responsible and sincere leadership with which we are not blessed yet. Disaster Management encompasses two different yet interlinked phases of Disaster Response and Disaster Preparedness. It is possible to reduce the impact of disasters by adopting suitable disaster mitigation strategies But we see no Preventive, Detective and Corrective measures in Pakistan. The moral support and responsibility that Chillian President "Sebastian Pinera" and Japanese PM "Naoto Kan" set in Miners Rescue Operation and Earthquake respectively and the performance of Mayor "Rudy Giuliani" to control Mafia crimes in NYC sets the example for us to understand the dynamics of successful planning and execution of this entire operation.

Since “Effective Disaster Response in present is Disaster Preparedness for Future” so, we need to introduce fresh strategies and talented people in their department which can help in Minimizing the potential risks by developing disaster management strategies and also Prepare and implement developmental plans to provide resilience to such disasters, But this is only possible if we have sincere and credible people as our leaders.

Lets pray for the victims of all disasters and their bereaved families. Also pray to Almighty to bless us with sense and wisdom to choose right people in right place. Amen.

FARAH IQBAL LODHI

General Secretery, Girls Wing

ISF, Karachi.