Lessons from Earthquake in Chile for Pakistan

The devastating earthquake which measured 8.8 on Richter Scale hit Chile on the early morning of 27 February 2010. Chile is located on the Pacific Rim or ring of fire which is the world's most seismecally active region. This earthquake was the biggest in magnitude and the closest recorded was in 1960 in the same country which claimed about 2000 lives.
The earthquake damaged or destroyed about 5,00,00 houses and buildings and also killed 700 people. The death toll was too low comparing with the earthquakes of Haiti and Pakistan in the past. This clearly speaks of Chilean Government's knowledge, meticulous planning and preparation for such a disaster being earthquake prone country. The national emergency office which is organized at national, regional and local level, coordinated services of fire fighters, medical teams and civil defence etc ensuring effective emergency response and controlled the damage to a great extent. Moreover, strictly enforced house building codes also ensured the buildings are earthquake proof. Chile being the wealthiest Latin American nation refused financial assistance from abroad only allowing medical teams speaks of the country's self reliance and timely preparedness for such a disaster.
Its been almost five years since Pakistan was hit by a major earthquake which resulted in great loss of human life and property but so far we have failed to put any national emergency centre in line of Chile. There is a need to organize an effective civil defence system which should coordinate quick and timely response to such a disaster in future. We should have sufficient reserves to tackle such like situation on the lines of Chilean response to the February earthquake. If we failed to learn lessons from Chile in disaster management, then we are likely to suffer like Haiti which lost more than two lac people in the recent earthquake which measured less than that of the Chile.

Visit of Indian PM to Saudi Arabia

Indian Prime Minister Mr Manmohan Singh's visit to Saudi Arabia if of immense importance. Its the first visit of any top Indian leader to the country since 1982 and is aimed at building economic ties and enlisting the kingdom's help in improving regional security.
Keeping in view the Saudi Arabian influence and strong bondage with Pakistan, Indians are now making an effort to seek Saudi support in persuading Pakistan to act against militants organizations based there. Although the Indians are ruling out Saudi Arabia's mediation in decreasing tensions with Pakistan, but this visit is certainly aimed at the same since both countries are now holding talks to normalize bilateral relations. The remarks of junior foreign minster Shashi Taroor carries the same impression of mediation which have been clarified but gave away the real picture of the visit in general.
PM Manmohan Singh support to an independent Palestinian State linking it to the stability of the middle east region was also a shift from the past Indian policies on the subject which is likely to affect its relations with Israel.
Besides this regional stability is directly linked with stability in Afghanistan but the stand off between Iran and the West due to the former's nuclear program has direct bearing on the region. Any misadventure by either party will prolong the presence of US in the region for an indefinite period than the planned withdrawal of 2011. Whatever is the outcome of this visit on regional security, it is more pertinent to analyze, the mutual understanding and working together against terrorism and extremism.
Indian also wants to strengthen energy ties with Saudi Arabia and the offer of Indian companies working in oil and gas projects in Saudi Arabia is likely to be welcomed by the host country to a great extent.
With the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2011 in view, the visit is part of an effort to enhance Indian influence in Afghanistan to ensure pressure on Pakistan from West in future.
Whatever stance the Indian take on this visit but its a clear indication that regional stability is not possible without friendly relations between Pakistan and India. For the first time Indians are seeking Saudi Arabia's help to sort out differences between the two countries and use its influence to persuade Pakistan to reduce tension in the region.

Danger to Pak China Trade due to Natural Disaster in Hunza Valley

A landslide which triggered on January 4 in Hunza formed a lake due to blockage on Hunza River on Karakoram Highway and submerged a main bridge on the highway. The bridge if destroyed will bring a halt to around Rs 3 billion trade which takes place on this highway with China.
The said bridge has developed cracks and has been closed for all types of traffic cutting Gojal Valley from rest of the country. The lake has already affected Shiskat Village turning it into an island.
An alternate bridge which is under construction will take about two years to complete thus seriously affecting bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.
The depth of the lake has reached to about 198 feet and is increasing by 1.5 feet on daily basis due to inflow of water in the river. According to Frontier Works Organization which maintains Karakoram Highway, the clearance of boulders which fell due to the major land slide will take about 2 months as work is being hampered by frequent rains and snowfall in the area.
If the concerned organization failed to clear the blockade quickly, the lake will gain strength with time and a sudden collapse in the blockade may result in heavy flooding in the lower parts of the country.
Karakoram Highway is the only road link between Pakistan and China and this disaster is likely to have great influence on trade between the two countries.. Besides this, the area also attracts huge number of tourists who will also face difficulties in the season to traverse this area.