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A Shift in Policy Thinking!

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A Shift in Policy Thinking!

The government, public-private partnerships, and civil society organizations must work together to bring about real and sustainable change for affected communities, regardless of area, religion, color, or belief.

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

The recent flood of 2022 and the pandemic have put immense pressure on the government, with many citizens struggling to make ends meet. While the government did deploy significant financial and policy resources to protect people and businesses during the pandemic, its response to the flood was lacking. Economic recession and political instability have left little room for fiscal spending on social considerations, which civil society organizations have called for.

However, there is now a discernible shift in policy thinking globally, including in Pakistan. The focus has shifted from reaching out to international financial institutions to the role of government and public-private partnerships in post-flood recovery efforts. The private sector and financial markets may play a supportive role, but it is up to the government and fiscal authority to take the lead.

Civil society organizations have an important role to play during this recovery process. They are connecting disconnected communities, giving voice to marginalized populations, and supplementing administrative capacity. However, short-term projects are not enough, and there is a need for long-term partnerships and the development of international-level institutional capacities. A participatory approach, working with rural communities, and incorporating technology into traditional work will lead to more sustainable results.

The recent flood and pandemic have exposed the need for a change in policy thinking in response to disasters. The government, public-private partnerships, and civil society organizations must work together to bring about real and sustainable change for affected communities, regardless of area, religion, color, or belief. A shift in focus from international financial institutions to the role of government and partnerships is necessary to bring about positive change. Civil society organizations play a critical role in supplementing administrative capacity and connecting disconnected communities. A participatory approach that involves rural communities and incorporates technology will lead to more sustainable results.

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 Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is Community Development Professional based in Hyderabad Sindh

 

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