Aid Groups Say Donors Shun Pakistan Over Jihad Allegations

Humanitarian organization say global aid donors are shunning pleas to help flood-stricken Pakistan because of the country’s image as a haven for jihadists, AlertNet writes.

The international Red Cross and the United Nations started Pakistan appeals this month, after monsoon rains sparked devastating floods but have collected less than 3 percent of their respective targets of $12-million and $357-million.

Aid workers pin the lackluster response on accusations that Pakistan is sheltering Islamic militants.

“Within the international community, there are negative perceptions of Pakistan and we believe they are impacting humanitarian fund-raising efforts,” said Joe Cropp, a Red Cross official in Islamabad. “As one diplomat said to us last year, ‘Pakistan is a bad brand.’”

The floods have killed 430 people and wiped out livestock and destroyed food stocks, creating acute foot shortages in affected areas.