Azam Khalil The crest and crowning of all good, Lifes final star, is Brotherhood. Edwin Markham Political leaders in Pakistan have always lacked maturity and most of them have refused to see beyond their personal agendas or at best their political parties. However, the decision taken by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif to join hands in a collective effort to provide relief and rehabilitation, to the flood-affected people in an effective and transparent manner, has finally shown that the political leaders in this country have grown-up. The entire country and the world at large has welcomed their decision. This will probably help to stop the blame game exercised by the political leadership of Pakistan, as they will move together to provide succour to around 20 million people who have been hit by the catastrophic floods. For this purpose, they have decided to constitute an independent commission which will collect funds for the flood affectees; survey all the areas affected by floodwaters; analyse the damage that has been caused to infrastructure including crops, livestock and buildings; and also ensure a judicious distribution of help to the victims. Side by side with undertaking rehabilitation work, it would be entirely proper if the commission is able to advice the government to ensure what needs to be done so that in future rains and floods could have a minimum impact on the everyday lives of the people who live in and around the danger areas. Reportedly, some names are being considered by the government, with full support of the PML-N chief, and it is expected that everyone in and outside the country will have complete faith in the commission that is specifically formed for the distribution of relief goods among the flood-stricken people. While the PPP has successfully taken into confidence its major ally in the government, the Prime Minister has spoken to the leaders of ANP and MQM who have agreed on the formation of the commission. The Jamiat-i-Ulema Islam (JUI) is also expected to be taken into confidence as soon as its leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, returns to the country. Nonetheless, it would have been appropriate if these leaders had also taken into confidence those political parties who have no presence in the National Assembly like Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) and other smaller parties, so that the entire nation would have supported the formation of the commission which is expected to begin its work within a week or so. Another heartening point that has come out of this arrangement is that the government has decided to contribute nearly Rs250 billion out of its own resources by diverting funds from some development projects and also by freezing funds reserved for some non-developmental purposes. Thus, it would be possible for the commission to make a head start in its efforts without waiting for a long period of time for contributions and donations that are expected to pour into its account that will be set up by the government. At present, the response from the international community has neither been spontaneous, nor generous as compared to the funds collected during the 2005 earthquake. In the same vein, the people of Pakistan have not responded as it was expected from them. Perhaps, due to the credibility of our elected representatives and state institutions which have never worked up to the expectations of the people of this country. But this time round the situation would certainly be different. The persons, who are expected to be inducted in the commission, have immaculate reputations and are known for their integrity and honesty. Hence, there is no reason why the international community, or for that matter the people of this country, should not come forward and donate generously for a just cause. The calamity that has struck Pakistan is so enormous that it would never be possible for the government alone to address the situation and provide relief to each and every family that has been hit by the floods. That has broken the record of the last nearly 100 years. One hopes that with the passage of time this country will receive adequate amounts of money and other assistance, including medicines and items of daily use, so that immediate relief can be provided to a vast majority of the people who still remain trapped by floodwaters. In addition, Pakistan also requires boats and helicopters not only to evacuate people, but also to supply food and medicines in the areas where communication has become all but impossible due to the total destruction of the infrastructure. In this context, it is appreciable that the political leadership has decided to generate maximum resources for flood relief from within the country, while appealing to the international community for aid only when it is absolutely essential. It therefore becomes necessary that the people of Pakistan move quickly and make their contributions in cash or kind that will help the needy who have absolutely no other means to sustain themselves, except on the relief that will be provided to them by the commission. It is a known fact that damage could have been considerably reduced if the people had heeded the early warnings from the authorities. The people had refused to evacuate from the low lying localities declared dangerous by the government, which eventually resulted in the loss of lives of both humans and livestock. Another aspect that requires attention was the encroachment and illegal construction by the people along the river banks that resulted in the destruction of properties which now run into billions of rupees. The commission will also have to replenish the stocks of wheat and rice that have been damaged due to the floods and also ensure that the corrupt elements in the Food Department do not sell damaged wheat for human consumption. It should oversee that all wheat and rice that has been damaged is destroyed. Otherwise, the poor people will have to suffer more if they are made to eat damaged wheat or rice which could result in many people falling ill. The commission should move quickly to ensure that nothing of this sort happens and in case there is food shortage, it should arrange for it from the international market ensuring that whatever is given to the people is clean and healthy. One hopes that the recent precedent set by Pakistans political leaders will be followed in other areas. This cooperation will ensure that vital institutions, especially the institution of democracy and justice, remain within the reach of the common man. If the people of this country join hands they can do wonders and ensure that each and every one of them walks with their chin up without any fear. Cooperation will lead this country forward and whenever we decide to rely on our resources, it will help us to regain the respect that we have lost. The writer is a freelance columnist. Email: zarnatta@hotmail.com