By Asim Tanveer
Daira Din Panah, Pakistan - After wrecking Pakistan's north-west, the worst floods in 80 years swept through the economically vital Punjab in a catastrophe that has raised doubts about President Asif Ali Zardari's fragile leadership.
Zardari went ahead with state visits to Europe this week, drawing criticism for his absence during the worst of the destruction.
Ethnic violence in Pakistan's biggest city Karachi, and a suicide bombing claimed by Taliban militants in Peshawar also piled pressure on his government, widely criticised for its handling of the floods, which have killed over 1 500 people and devastated the lives of more than three million.
It's too early to gauge the economic costs of the floods but they are likely to be staggering. Pakistan depends heavily on foreign aid and its civilian governments have a poor history of managing crises, leaving the powerful military to step in.
After $10-million in initial aid, the United States on Wednesday pledged a major effort to help millions hit by the epic floods in Pakistan, while also hoping to improve Washington's image there.
Anti-American sentiment runs high in Pakistan, a regional power Washington says is critical to easing a Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, before a US troop pullout starts next summer. - Reuters