September 16, 2022

As Pakistan floods, fears of corruption undermine relief

topic:	Humanitarian Aid
located:	Pakistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

There is no denying that the scale of devastation that Pakistan has suffered from the recent flash floods calls for generous help and support from the international community; but the country’s history with corruption raises the question of whether the aid is truly reaching the millions of flood victims in the rural towns and villages of Pakistan.  

The UN and the Pakistani government launched a flash appeal worth $160 million last month to address the pressing need for rescue operations as floods swept through the country, engulfing two-thirds of it. This appeal received positive and timely responses from the international community and the humanitarian world.

However, the tale of devastation does not end there. Now, as the situation enters the relief and rehabilitation phase for the millions of men, women and children uprooted by the floods, who are vulnerable to diseases and malnutrition, fair governance and transparency in the use of funds is pivotal. Otherwise, the amount of aid needed will be much greater and the recovery efforts will take much longer.

There are already quite credible reports concerning criminal negligence and abuse of authority to loot and misappropriate the funds and resources meant for the flood victims. Media reports in Pakistan suggest that authorities have begun procuring expensive vehicles to exploit the funds that are otherwise fully meant for the desperate people suffering from the floods. There can be absolutely no moral or legal justification for such acts. 

It is true that Pakistan is facing a crippling economic crisis, mainly due to similar corrupt practices and poor economic policies, but that does not permit anyone to take advantage of the situation and exploit the vulnerabilities of the flood victims.

It is in these extreme moments of despair that nations should unite to rise above the challenges. The ruling elite should have shown their leadership by abandoning their lavish lifestyles and standing by their needy country mates who were struggling to secure a meal. The ongoing political wrangling and mud-throwing should have been set aside to address the national emergency while upholding the country’s moral values, the dignity of the needy people and the principles of good governance.

It is, however, quite ironic to see the power-greedy elite looking at this calamity as an opportunity to accumulate more wealth. 

If there is no change in attitude in the ruling quarters, what can be done to address the needs of the flood victims? Instead of handing the flood relief funds over to the greedy elite, they should be channelled through independent intervention organisations, like the UN or other reputable agencies. For that to happen, the Pakistani government must lift the ban it has imposed on many international aid organisations.

Photo by Jéan Béller

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