Min Hajuddin

A natural, political crisis

There are times, few and far between I might add, that flying has its benefits.

Arriving into Pakistan from London I got a birds eye view of the massive flood that has left millions stranded and, according to some estimates, nearly 1,300 people dead.

From this height the water shimmers in the sun. Huge swathes of the countryside seem to be covered.

That this is a tragedy is beyond doubt, but what is in doubt is the government's response to it.

Over the last few days the administration has been hugely criticised by a cross section of Pakistani society.

In the Swat valley, in the country's northwest, many complain of aid not getting through.

One man who I spoke to, Min Hajuddin was blunt. "President Asif Ali Zardari is simply useless." It seems to be a common refrain.

The president is currently on a tour of Europe where he will visit the UK.