AFTER being ravaged by deadly earthquake on Oct 8, 2005, Pakistan became a symbol of sympathy and assistance to others in their misery and sorrow. Government agencies were unable to handle this disaster, which was too massive for any government or agency to tackle alone.

It was the participation of the people, en mass, which enabled the government and all its wings to bear the heavy burden. A survey was conducted in the earthquake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir and the then Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which revealed that the tragedy created a sense of unity and sympathy in the masses not only in Pakistan or among Muslims, but these sentiments were evinced all over the world.

It is a general perception in our society that we see conspiracies hidden behind each and every humanitarian activity. Hidden motives colour our reality but this is not true in this case since not all humanitarian activities fall in this category.

For example, we always condemn the UN for its double standards towards Muslims under US pressure.

This mindset should change as various UN agencies such as Unicef, WHO, WFP, UNHCR and others are doing a tremendous service to humanity.

We condemn the western media for having taken its freedom too far, but it must be understood that elements behind the blasphemous caricatures and films have tried to sabotage harmony and good relationship between western societies and the Muslim world, especially Pakistan, which emerged soon after the earthquake.

Individuals, both inside and outside Pakistan, contributed immensely during the whole relief activities and proved that they are able to overcome any eventuality or disaster.

Americans are proud of their being number one among the nations of the world that donate to charitable missions. However, according to a news report, an American think-tank openly admitted that Pakistanis were far ahead of Americans in charity collection from within Pakistan and its eventual distribution.

The American think-tank added that if the population, size of the country and per capita income of Pakistan were kept in view, it would be observed that it was one of the leading nations in the field of humanitarian relief.

A number of Pakistani Kashmiris residing overseas contributed a lot in this hour of need. They collected millions of rupees in cash, clothes, medicines and other household items and distributed without any discrimination.

Some critics have raised objections over the manner and style of relief activities conducted by the Pakistan army.

They must recognise the role of the army in the first month of the disaster and afterwards. It was the army which revived life in the affected areas, maintained the law and order situation and helped in distributing cash assistance to the affected people.

The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authrotity and NGOs helped the quake victims a lot but the amount for construction of new houses was like peanuts.

Now the earthquake-affected areas have entered in a new phase of rehabilitation. Here the role of NGOs, as well as of government agencies, is important again. They should continue their activities till the return of the last affected person to his or her house.

S. MUZAMMIL HUSSAIN Islamabad