Corruption in relief funds occurs again in Pakistan

The US’ allegation of mismanagement in the flood relief fund has recalled the memories of blatant corruption the authorities indulged in whenever the country received international aid to provide assistance to the people affected by natural disasters. Be it the 2005 earthquake or the floods of 2010, Pakistani agencies were blamed for embezzlement as a major part of funds aimed at relief work did not reach the victims. The latest floods are no exception.A third of Pakistan came under water due to floods since mid-June that were caused due to fast glacier melting and flash floods, which razed thousands of houses, and destroyed standing crops on millions of acres of land while displacing numerous people.While the Islamabad government struggled to cope with the situation and demanded help from the international community, the UN, European Union and many countries including the US, China, UK started sending financial aid to Pakistan.As the reports of the misappropriation of funds surfaced, the US reacted strongly, hinting at corruption by the Pakistani government.