Reputation Management Online

Natural disasters usually galvanize mass support like it did in Haiti recently, however the Pakistan floods are not building up as much support as they should. Why? The main reason for this is that Pakistan comes with a certain reputation. The country is known for being a hot-bed for terrorism, for having helped and supported the regressive and violent Taliban; for having harboured the ‘who’s who’ of Al Qaida and so on.

Pakistan’s national reputation if news reports are to be believed is standing in the way of aid to the country. No Hollywood stars or even Bollywood stars are raising the issue, no concerts, nothing being planned.

Shameful indeed, for the vast majority of those affected by the floods aren’t politically motivated and are innocent, peace-loving people.

Further damning was President Zardari ‘s ill-timed visit to the UK and France during the floods. To the rest of the world this served as reproach on the current government, weakening an already wavering reputation. This could very well be the end of Zardari’s political career and his quick visit to flood hit areas has not done anything for his public image.

As I write this post millions are waiting for relief, yet the world seems largely aloof!