Jamaat-ud-Dawa's relief effects discussed

While the Pakistani government's response to the humanitarian crisis caused by devastating floods has been criticised, local charity organisations and religious groups are earning praise from the public for their efforts.

A group that has been gaining popularity for their relief work in recent days is Jamaat-ud-Dawa, an Islamic group banned by the government.

Jamaat-ud-Dawa has been accused of being a front group for Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is believed to be behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Many are concerned that the group will gain more support from Pakistanis as a result of its aid.

But Mosharraf Zaidi, an anlayst on Pakistan, told Al Jazeera that Jamaat-ud-Dawa's help will not affect its popularity in the political realm.

[August 12, 2010]