Myth: Pakistan is a divided nation with little or no unity

It is possible that this myth is perpetuated by Pakistanis themselves. We can be a nation of argumentative, cynical complainers! However, After the Earthquake in Pakistan the whole nation had galvanized to help their fellow countrymen. Although, the earthquake was a horrific catastrophe, the atmosphere in the cities and towns and villages of Pakistan was electric with a sense of purpose. The poor gave their warm clothes to the less fortunate. The common gave money from his small income to the victims. The middle and upper class purchased medicine and sent their sons to help out in the mountainous regions. People lined up to give blood and donations. Schoolchildren collected money for the survivors. Pakistan was a nation united.


On behalf of the people of Pakistan, the prime minister assured through the leadership of the AJK to the people of Kashmir that they would not be left alone in this hour of distress and all out support in the reconstruction process.
The meeting reviewed the rescue and relief operations so far, and also noted various suggestions and proposals to ensure coordination in the reconstruction operations. Shaukat once again expressed his deepest condolence for those who lost their lives in the earthquake.
APP adds: The prime minister said he had issued special directives to all the departments concerned and agencies involved in relief, recovery and reconstruction phases to focus on the early rehabilitation of the people.
Explaining 12-point strategy plan for reconstruction and rehabilitation, he said there was a need to shift survivors from rubbles to tents and temporary shelters as quickly as possible. Ultimately they would move towards construction of model cities for permanent settlement of homeless people.
He said there was need to identify overlaps and gaps in relief to affected areas, regulate private, foreign and public sector relief goods and services and fill the gaps.
The prime minister directed to gear up medical and trauma treatment for the injured and arrange for transitional schools, hospitals and other public offices to restore the government structure.
Shaukat Aziz further explaining the plan directed the authorities and departments concerned to prepare reconstruction plan for the impacted areas including full restoration of infrastructure, setting priorities, coordinating support at ground level and implementation of the plan in more accountable and transparent manner.
The prime minister said the people of Pakistan and government stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in this difficult hour and assured full support in the reconstruction process.
Shaukat Aziz said the immediate priority of the government was to open roads, hospitals, schools and other buildings.
The prime minister appreciating international support to Pakistan for the help of earthquake victims said the government had asked the friendly countries to provide technical assistance in reconstruction.
The prime minister said the earthquake of October 8 was one of the worst natural disaster in Pakistan’s history and more than 39,000 lives have been lost so far, many remained missing and the exact number of victims will probably never be known.
He said over three million people had lost their homes and livelihoods.
Shaukat Aziz said the catastrophe had galvanized the nation in a spirit of common humanity to provide help to their fellow citizens in their hour of need.
Appreciating the response of people, the prime minister said they responded as one nation with an immense, spontaneous outpouring of compassion and generosity, on a scale never witnessed before.
The prime minister said the participation of the people and their enthusiasm was a source of strength for the government. He said the people must know that they are not alone.
Shaukat Aziz said: “we are also greatly encouraged by the resilience of the people in disaster stricken areas.”
The prime minister said a tragedy of this magnitude required a long-term commitment of resources to rebuild the shattered communities and provide some hope to the survivors.
He said the federal government provided leadership in the aftermath of earthquake and mounted largest relief effort ever.
He said the uniformed personnel, police, civil authorities, doctors and nurses, volunteers were doing their utmost despite many constraints. He said they were providing relief, carrying out search and rescue operations, doing forensic work to help identify the victims.
The prime minister said this rapid response yielded substantial dividends and widespread starvation was avoided and there were no epidemics.
He said the federal relief commissioner was coordinating and keeping track of all the activities while Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority will coordinate the damage and needs assessment as well as reconstruction in a transparent manner.