THEY used to say that Nowshera will drown if a dam was constructed. Nowshera drowned without a dam being there. They inaugurated dams, but did not show the intent to complete such projects.

They minted money, stalled projects, played politics on it. But we did not condemn them. We never objected. We see our leaders taking joyrides with their entourage in critical times, eating in deluxe, expensive environments while people struggle to survive out there on the streets. It was one Nero back in time.

Today, we have several Neros.

We are doomed as a nation. We have no character. We silently watch disasters unfold, thinking our turn will never come.

Pakistan, despite being surrounded by hyenas within and without, has survived and will live on. But if it has survived, it is not because of us. It is certainly divine mercy at work.

With people questioning their representatives in affected areas, I see hope for a better tomorrow. This man-made disaster was preventable to a large extent had we prepared well for it. We didn`t. We, the people, are paying the price.

Sarah A. Wadood Khan Karachi