Trust Deficit Mars Relief Efforts
By Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)
Westridge, Rawalpindi
Pakistanis have always risen to the occasion and donated generously in cash and kind to alleviate the miseries of fellow countrymen. October 2005 was probably the most shining example of this laudable attitude when Mansehra and Muzzafarabad were literally flooded with all kinds of provisions, foods, medicine, tents and shelters and young volunteers, including doctors and paramedics, who came in hordes from places as far as Karachi.
People furnished another proof of their helpful disposition in 2009 when they came to the aid of the IDPs from Swat, Buner and Bajaur in a big way.
Surprisingly, that spirit is not visible now in spite of repeated appeals by the government and ministers. This is truly lamentable as the present floods have been described as the worst in the history of Pakistan. What can explain for this indifference and unresponsiveness? From my interaction with the general public, I found it to be a case of trust deficit. The political governments – federal as well as provincial – do not enjoy the confidence of the masses who believe that the money donated will not reach the people it was meant for. Like it or not, they still want the Army to handle the distribution of funds and supplies. Sad, isn’t it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
