As Pakistan thanked the world Friday for opening its wallets, criticism of the already weak civilian government mounted. The growing discontent dealt a potential blow to U.S. and domestic hopes of fostering a strong Pakistani democracy after years of army rule.
Even before the crisis began nearly a month ago, the government faced discontent as power shortages, Islamist militant violence and economic mismanagement plagued the country.
As the dissatisfaction with the government grows, the image of the military has received a boost. A military coup is seen as unlikely, but the flooding is so large scale that some fear political instability in the nuclear-armed nation. Underscoring these fears are reports that the Pakistani Taliban have capitalized on the government’s ineptitude by providing aid to flood victims in an effort to boost their public image.
About 20 million people have been affected. And flood victims are far more likely to have seen a Pakistani soldier dropping off relief or picking them up than a member of the civilian government.
“The overwhelming majority of Pakistanis have always reposed confidence in the army as compared to elected governments,” said Mehdi Hasan, a Pakistani political analyst. “People feel the army can do better as it is well trained; it has time and the courage to handle any crisis. It gives an edge to the army over the civil administration.”
The civilians’ initial response appeared chaotic and confused as the flooding disaster unfolded. But symbolism seemed to matter more: President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision to visit France and England as people fled their water-filled homes infuriated many and tarnished the image of an out-of-touch political elite.
Making matters worse was the slow pace of international aid.
Wrapping up a hurriedly called two-day meeting of the U.N. General Assembly to spotlight the immediate need for aid — weeks after the flooding began July 28 — Pakistan’s U.N. ambassador, Abdullah Haroon, said the initial outpouring from some 70 countries was “indeed heartening” and “a good beginning,” though he stressed that the country will need much more help in the months and years to come.
At the start of the meeting on Thursday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said donors had given just half of the $460 million the U.N. asked for to provide food, shelter and clean water for up to 8 million flood victims over the next three months. He insisted all the money was needed now.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at the end of Thursday’s session that he was assured the $460 million goal “is going to be easily met.”
But U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes told The Associated Press after Friday’s session ended that the U.N. appeal wasn’t fully funded yet.
“At the moment, we’re about 70 percent funded, about $350 million,” he said. “The situation in the last few days has improved very significantly in terms of funding. … I think (the appeal) will be funded soon.”
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the United States, already the biggest donor, would contribute an additional $60 million, bringing its total to more than $150 million, with $92 million going to the U.N.
Among other donors, Pakistan has accepted an offer of $5 million of aid offered by archrival India, after several days of hesitation. Receiving assistance from India is politically delicate in Pakistan, and the government can expect criticism from some of the religious and nationalist parties.
But Pakistan is in no position to turn away assistance.
“This is not just Pakistan’s hour of need — Pakistan is facing weeks, months and years of need,” said Ban.
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