The Holy Prophet (SAW) used to preach Islam the whole day. The non-believers of Makkah always behaved badly towards him. In the evening, when he returned home quite exhausted, it was Hazrat Fatima (RA) who welcomed him warmly. She used to wash the head and hands of her dear father. The Prophet (SAW) kissed her forehead and hands in gratitude. Hazrat Fatima (RA) was the center of love and affection for the whole family. She cheered up all family members with her innocent talks. Similarly, all the fathers and brothers returned home quite tired after their daily routine but they had hope in their hearts that they would be refreshed through the cheerful company of their kids and other family members.
But what will become of the flood victims? What will they do in such a disappointing situation? What about their family members? They have lost their houses and all their valuables. They are empty handed. They have nothing to start something new with. I visited a camp of the flood victims in Ghizar, a district of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). There I met a little girl named Fatima. I was told that she was sleeping in her mother’s arms. Suddenly, a strong wave of rain and floods crashed their house and took away her mother and five-year-old brother. A happy family was destroyed in no time. The father of Fatima and some other people chased the wave of flood up to one kilometer and were able to save her only. Her brother and mother had drowned in the water by then. People had to struggle hard to take her out of the mud. They washed her face. She was still breathing. She opened her eyes and started calling her mother but she didn’t know that she would never see her mother again. She would never play with her brother again. All was lost. Her unfortunate father was her only support. I called Fatima. She responded immediately and I took her in my arms. As she played with papers and pen, she forgot her family for some time. Several days have passed but I still remember her innocent face. I cannot understand what the condition of her father will be like when she asks about her mother.
In another camp of flood victims in Bobar, a family of eight members has taken refuge. They have lost each and everything in this flood. I can present countless examples of destruction but our rulers are unkind. Perhaps they are heartless. I visited GB for three days as I travelled from Karachi to Chitral. All the people complained that the attitude of the federal and provincial governments was not positive. They told that they have been left helpless in this situation and that no one cared for them. They are without proper food, shelter and medicine.
The Prime Minister visited GB but didn’t meet the Chief Minister only because of the political differences. More than 33 million people are affected by the flood and they are waiting for the aid of the government but no one seems to be responding. Everyone is giving statements according to the agenda of his party. Their statements do not exhibit their concern for the affected people. There is too much talk and not enough work being done. They are taking it as an opportunity to promote their political interests. They are not worried that 3.4 million children are homeless. 1 million houses have been destroyed. 3.4-million-acres of agricultural land has sunk in flood water. There is a need of an agricultural emergency in future.
The crop of wheat will not be cultivated on millions of acre land if the government does not provide seeds, fertilisers and tractors to the farmers. It should also abolish all the taxes and loans for them. The people need food, warm clothes, medicines and blankets and the government should focus on providing these materials. In reality however, it has no reliable data or action plan. Donations and other items for flood victims should not be handed over to MNAs, MPAs and consultants but to local communities within these regions. It is the moral duty of the government to provide for its people. If it overlooks this responsibility, the future generations will never forgive us.