Letters: Calamity call

It is unfortunate that the Pakistan government has refused to accept India’s $5-million offer for flood relief.

The Pakistan government may feel that the amount is too low, but it must bear in mind that the Indian government has stepped in to help, despite some recent bitter events. Just about 22 months ago, some agencies in Pakistan allegedly launched a terrorist attack in Mumbai, killing over 300 innocent citizens. The Pakistan government’s attitude during that period was of complete denial.

Despite several rounds of talks between ministers and officials of both countries, Pakistan continues to dilly-dally. It is also sad that some sections of the media in Pakistan are blaming India for the massive floods, purportedly because the country supposedly deliberately diverted waters from dams in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, and from the ones it “controlled in Afghanistan”. Such reports defy credibility and could dissipate the much-needed relief efforts for flood victims.

Pakistan should now be focusing on disbursing help and aid, which it has received from various sources, among the victims. It should also focus on formulating a long-term economic development plan to ensure that it becomes increasingly self-sufficient and does not have to seek international monetary aid every time it faces a natural calamity. This is not the time to play the blame game.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai