The success of the Donors` Conference in Islamabad on November 19, with a participation of 85 countries pledging $5.9 billion, has not only given a moral boost to the present government to keep working with full concentration, but has also strengthened its claim of enjoying the confidence of the international community for its policies.
Most of the apprehensions of the international community regarding the credibility of Musharraf government seem to have melted away as is evident from the enormous response Pakistan received in the shape of financial and material aid. In fact more than the government`s estimates and calculations for its proposed rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the afflicted area. Ironically, while the international community was contributing more than expected, some of our own opposition parties, especially the main stream political parties remained unmoved. Their such attitude in this regard leaves much to be desired. Firstly, their absence from undertaking any significant relief work in the affected areas was highly conspicuous and secondly, their decision of staying away from the donors conference has not only drawn criticism from the saner elements but their lack of active participation and not taking timely decisions is also likely to hurt their vote bank in the future politics of the area. Lack of initiative on their part to rise to an occasion betrays their inability to acquit themselves successfully of a given national task assigned in a national emergency.
The pro-government elements have every reason to be jubilant over the success of the conference, especially in view of the opposition parties` not so very prudent a decision of staying away which has somewhat affected their image not only among the countrymen but also at the international level. Their scepticism about the success of the conference based upon many accusations ranging from the ill-preparedness of the government for handling a conference of that magnitude to the involvement of the army generals in running the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), which according to them could prevent the International community from pledging money for quake victims, all proved wrong. The government put across its case very convincingly and seemed to follow a well planned strategy throughout the conference. The strategy was not all encompassing and comprehensive and covered all aspects of the massive task of rehabilitation and reconstruction in the quake hit areas. A well calculated and systematic reconstruction and rehabilitation plan was prepared by the government based on the damaged assessment data assembled by the experts from various organizations including national, international NGOs, ADB, WB etc. Hence the plan presented by the President at the conference helped the representatives of donor countries understand the mechanism of the usage of money they were going to pledge, its transparency and the benefits it will accrue to the afflicted populace, which encouraged them all to donate generously.
One wonders why the opposition parties, especially the PML(N) and the PPPP did not take advantage of the conference wherein almost all the important countries of the world had gathered, especially the EU delegation as the EU is known for its strong support for the involvement of the political parties in all matters of national import in Pakistan. This was amply evident from the fact that the EU on the very next day after the conference asked the government to seek approval of the parliament on the establishment of Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority and its duration. The opposition has certainly missed an opportunity to exert its effectiveness and play its cards wisely which would have helped them a lot in the next general elections. Earlier, too, during the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas no active participation of the PPPP and the PML(N) was seen, especially of the PML(N) in Hazara division – a sort of home ground to them.
The excuse forwarded by some political parties that their work in the affected areas was not projected by the media is incorrect. Media gave a fair coverage to all including the work done by some banned organizations that did not want media projection for the fear of international backlash. It was applauded by all, even by the government, as was appreciated the good work done by the Jamaat-i-Islami. MQM has made a mark by crossing her supposedly ethnic borders of Sindh and entered the ranks of the national political entities by making her presence felt successfully in the quake hit areas.
The opposition decision though late but not too late to participate in the first meeting of parliamentary committee on November 24 was a wise step, despite its denial to participate in it as members of the committee formed by the Prime Minister. It is high time the opposition played its role, put its valid pressure on the government for having its say in the rehabilitation process, as no matter how credible or strong a military government is, the political entities of a country have their own importance and the outside world gives much weight to their opinion and actions. At the same time, the government should also gradually ease out the armed forces and pass on the responsibility to the civilians who are equally capable of measuring up to the task. This will not only protect the high image of the armed forces for the great work done by them in the early days of the deadly earthquake, but also will be appreciated by all the world over.
The government would be well advised to take the opposition into confidence and take them along practically through all phases of rehabilitation and reconstruction work. Alleviating the suffering of the nation is not the role of a few but of all. All must join hands in this noble task and try to raise above the petty politics. Mega projects and mega spending are known to be prone to corruption. Therefore, active participation of the opposition would ensure more transparency which is bound to have healthy effect on the donors and the countrymen alike. The Prime Minister`s announcement in the first meeting of the parliamentary committee to take opposition into confidence is a welcome step. Opposition, too, should avail of the opportunity and there is no big harm for them in accepting the membership of the committee. As a matter of fact if they use their abilities well and with a positive attitude, they would contribute substantially in the success of the Rehabilitation and reconstruction of the EQ hit population.
A democracy next door being the largest in the world and money changing hands inside the parliament, would you call it a democracy? A competent bunch of people who are removed from the benches and black listed. System in Pakistan is fine if we look at it. You can twist the words and give any name, such as democracy. A system works Ok in Russia, China which is not a democratic, so why worry about Pakistan if they don't have a system like India. There is hell of corruption in the world, especially in third world. There is no point in having too high feelings of pride that system of democracy in India is flawless. Posted by mohammad, United Kingdom
I think if Mr Nawaz Shrif, Benazir Bhutto and othe leaders including Gohar Ayub, Ijazul Haq, Asif Zardari, Buggties, Makhdoms and other such political figures had doanted generously there would have been no need for asking for donotaions from the world. Afterall these leaders have to account for the country's money bunglled by them and stuffed in foreign banks.
But then i thought how these poor souls could do that beacuse then they have to give sources of this money that how they had earned it. How petty
Ahmer Siddiqui Posted by Ahmer, Pakistan
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