Sir: No aid has reached the earthquake affected areas, people are still buried under the rubble and one wonders why Pakistan is reluctant to allow international aid agencies into Awaran — the main quake affected area — for rescue and relief work. The reason could be exactly what the Baloch political parties have put forth: “Pakistan fears the international agencies may notice the atrocities being carried out by the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC)”. Another reason, apparently, seems to be that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) might consider it a duty to let survivors perish whenever nature strikes against the Baloch.
The Baloch, who are already struggling to survive in the midst of severe poverty, now must face this earthquake, which has doubled their troubles. On the other hand, the government’s rejection of donors and NGOs helping them has only served to ensure that Baloch bellies go hungry. They do not even have coffins to bury their loved ones in — more than 280 people have been buried without coffins in Awaran. The people do not have drinking water as the wells in the area have been damaged. There is a lack of doctors and medicines, and the civil hospital is in Bedi, which is far away from those who have really been affected by the quake. Many helicopters have been seen in the air but only because they carry high profile personalities. Many of the stranded affectees are saying that the FC personnel pretend to be helping hands but only to ask the whereabouts of the people they intend to pick up.
People are in need of urgent food items, water and medical services. They are spending their nights under the open sky and need to be rehabilitated as soon as possible. It is time Pakistan let the international organisations continue relief and rescue work instead of preventing them from doing so.
NIAZ BETAB
Awaran