As I head to the flood zone

I have fallen in love with Pakistan once again. Anyone heading from Lahore towards Multan across the lush agricultural heartland would. Bollywood tunes sung by popular Pakistani artists are playing in the bus and remind me of the great talent this country possesses in every field. You cannot but agree with the Prime Minister that manpower is the biggest asset of the country.

This manpower however, is crying at the moment. The mighty Indus has brought nothing but destruction for them this year. Monsoon rains that usually last one month or so have come down in just about a week. Result? One in every 10 Pakistanis is affected directly or indirectly by the floods.

I have reached Multan which is going to be my base as I will move forward towards flood stricken districts of South Punjab to see how my countrymen are coping with the disaster. They are very much on their own. Their country now suffers from an 'image deficit', that is keeping the international community from extending a wholehearted hand. The culprits being the government for misappropriating previous aid. And yes, some blame terrorism.

However, I am sure the resilient nation that Pakistan is, it will come out of this test successful. Meanwhile, I shall try my best to keep you posted.