‘Worst-ever flooding could destabilize Pak government in coming months’

THATA SIAL - Pakistani officials, diplomats and aid workers have warned that while a civil unrest has so far been averted, the aftermath of the worst-ever flooding in the country could destabilize the government in the months to come.

According to The New York Times, most political commentators said that President Asif Ali Zardari and his government are safe for the time being only because no one wants to take on the immense responsibilities of the crisis.

They also claim that the main opposition leader, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, does not appear ready to test his party in national elections.

Another expert said that the management of the disaster has added to the distrust that many Pakistanis already feel for their civilian political leaders.

The expert said that the government’s situation had also deteriorated following the efforts put in by the armed forces, who have been performing rescue and relief missions in the affected areas.

Among the displaced people in Punjab and Sindh Provinces, many said that they do not expect the government to handle the situation any better.

“The influential ones are getting all the money and the poor will get nothing,” said Wazir Ali, whose family is camping in a relief camp in Sindh.

Qaim Din, a farm labourer, said that he was not optimistic about government promises, and feared going back to his village when the floods receded.

“We will die of hunger. We are very poor, ” Din said.

The floods have claimed the lives of over 1600 people, and affected an estimated 20 million people, an eighth of the population. (ANI)