DISASTER, DEVELOPMENT, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND THE TIME FRAME NEXUS: A CASE STUDY OF BALAKOT TOWN

Abstract

The vulnerability of Pakistan to a multiplicity of disasters like natural, hydrometer- logical, man-made, etc. is well known. The need for an over reaching and effective Disaster Management strategy is seriously felt by all Pakistanis particularly after the 2005 earthquake, 2010 floods and the civil-war like situation in the after math of the 9/11.

Unfortunately, there seems to be neither a will nor power on the government part to address the situation amicably and her performance is dismal. The Government's performance in Disaster situations and its ability in organizing and providing Disaster response including distribution of relief and the post disaster development is a far dream to come true. The main problem is the lack of governance and the culture of corruption generated and patronized by those who are responsible for it nipping.

Disasters offer socio-economic, politico-cultural, and environmental development opportunities which can be extrapolated in the post disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction period. The same can also be exploited to enhance the socioeconomic and physical conditions of the impacted communities in the long run. However, time factor is important but limited up to Two years approximately for the purpose of development and public satisfaction