The flood disaster in Pakistan is a continuing tragedy, as Monsoon rains continue to pour more water in the River Indus. Every passing day, the figures of the displaced, the dead, and the diseased are rising. It is still not possible to assess the full impact of this calamity on the country’s fragile economy devastated by terrorism. That it is a major challenge for both Pakistani government and the international community is unquestionable. However, the tragic situation underpinning this challenge also offers a unique opportunity to help millions of hapless people in their hour of need. Otherwise, they will become an easy prey for the forces of terror, who crave for a chance like this to spread their extremist message and terrorist cause.
The magnitude of the flood disaster facing Pakistan is amply clear from the following reported accounts, as of past week: According to the United Nations, the number of displaced people reached 20 million, and the area covered by floods 160,000