Please Help The Displaced

According to reports, a million people have been displaced by the continued fighting in and around Bajaur Agency. I am just sharing an editorial of Dawn, Pakistan's leading newspaper about the plight of displaced people.
Even the conservative estimates are staggering. The UN’s World Food Programme is working with a figure in the region of 600,000 but it is believed that the number of internally displaced persons in the NWFP and the tribal belt could be as high as one million. Poor civilians have been caught in the crossfire between militants and security personnel, and also been used as human shields by the Taliban.

Hundreds of thousands have fled Waziristan, Bajaur, Darra Adamkhel, Swat, Kurram, Orakzai, Mohmand and now Buner and Lower Dir. Those fortunate enough to escape are living in appalling conditions in refugee camps or seeking shelter with relatives, often of straitened means. The government is right in asking for international assistance for these victims of the conflict raging in northern Pakistan. That said, its own track in providing succour to the displaced is anything but encouraging.

Granted that Islamabad and the government in Peshawar have much on their plate vis-à-vis the fight against militancy. But it is imperative that people in dire need are taken care of by the state. Failure to do so will breed more resentment which will be readily tapped by the Taliban. If abandoned by the state, children and youth who have grown up in conflict zones and now have no options may easily choose to side with the militants. That way they will gain an identity and a form of respect in certain circles. And they won’t go hungry either.

Take what happened in Bajaur which is to date perhaps the only real success story in the battle against the Taliban. Residents were promised a massive rehabilitation and reconstruction programme but little activity has been seen on the ground. This inaction could have severe repercussions. Already refugees from Bajaur have turned violent at the Jalozai camp in Nowshera because of the state’s failure to create conditions that would facilitate their return. How can these impoverished people be expected be move back to Bajaur when their houses have been destroyed and little is left of local infrastructure?

The government has to stop dragging its feet on this tinderbox issue. The scale of the problem is only going to increase if the recent operations in Dir and Buner are part of a wider, sustained strategy. Most Pakistanis applaud the government for finally taking a stronger line against the militants. But they do so from the comfort of their homes. The displaced who are forced to flee the theatre of battle may have a different take on the matter.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bittiandra Muddappa Aiyyappa on April 30, 2009 at 1:53pm

There are two types of terror. One is organized and legal. the other is under ground and illegal. The fight is between the two to share power and common people are the victims on both sides. The solders and the militents are people who take up guns for their food and existence. one makes use of the administation and employes the common man where as the other find unemploied poor to talk them into taking up arms in the name of God, Religion or Phylosophy. The system it self is based on violence and has failed miserably. It is high time people get wise, get together and workout a new way out and influence the others to join them to become a Peace "Voice" throughout the World. To spread Peace Consciousness every where.

Permalink Reply by Nicolette on May 4, 2009 at 12:50pm

Hi Muhammad or anyone else,

How can people take action on something like this?

In the group, Aid to the Children of Gaza, there are addresses of organisations and hospitals and bank account numbers.

I saw a list of organisations online but it's hard to know who can be trusted. Any chance somone can post a list like this for Pakistan? Does anyone have experience or infomation?

Thanks

Permalink Reply by luisella valeri on May 12, 2009 at 1:26am

Here you find address and documents.
Also:
Bilquis Tahira
Tel: +92 51 287 5990
Cell: +92 334 426 5990

Attachments:

Permalink Reply by luisella valeri on May 12, 2009 at 12:33am

This time i am writing to you because we in Pakistan are now facing a war like situation. The conflict in the North between the military and the Talibans has reached a peak and the military is calling for civilian evacuation of parts of Swat before bombing the place
At the same time, the Talibans are trying to limit the movements of civilians and there are indications that some of the roads have been mined. This looks to be a very similar situation to Sri Lanka with the difference that we are talking about a bigger scale (3 or 4 times that at least)
There has been an influx of 30,000 IDP families just in the last day from Dir and Buner in Peshawar and there is an estimate of around 500,000 IDPs in the coming days and many will be coming to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. There is lack of basic things such as quilts/blankets, shoes, shelter and clothes. Women's needs such as hygiene kits and other concerns take a back seat as there is not much gender integration of issues around.

What we have been doing (4 volunteers and i) are making contact with IDPs in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, some with host families and others in rented buildings (8 people to a room on average) and trying to help women with their immediate needs. There are however long term needs as well.

We would like to expand our activities and I am requesting you to identify any organisation in Italy who could fund the relief and rehabilitation activities particularly where women's needs are concerned. Do let me know as the situation is getting out of hand and even with donors getting together on this, there are still pockets that are not getting attention such as IDPs in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

I have also been attending humanitarian team meetings (UN agencies, other donors and NGOs) and am attaching a few sitreps.

Take care

--
Bilquis Tahira
Tel: +92 51 287 5990
Cell: +92 334 426 5990

Permalink Reply by Muhammad Khurshid on May 20, 2009 at 2:35pm

My dear friend luisella valeri, a lot of thanks for your comments. Actually I remained in the conflict zone during last 16 days. I have been seeing a lot people dying of hunger and other related problem. My dear friend, can you introduce me to Bilquis Tahira? Just told her to contact me in the Peshawar Press Club.
My cell No. is +99 302-5749088.
I think through Bilquis we can launch a rehabalation project. The people of Bajaur Agency will be praying for your peace and prosperity. May God the Great give you all the happiness in this life and in the life hereafter.

Permalink Reply by Nicolette on May 23, 2009 at 11:32am

Here is a list for you too. Maybe you could let us know which one(s) you work with, or make sure you get on this list so people can find you?

http://www.pakspectator.com/helping-the-idps/

Permalink Reply by Muhammad Khurshid on June 23, 2009 at 12:55pm

Thank you very much my dear friend Nicolette for posting the link. Your support is a source of strength for me and my family. May God the Great give you all the happiness in this life and in the life hereafter if there is any.

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