Adil Najam
The memories, impressions, experiences, stories, scars, smiles, and worldviews that are being fostered as you read these lines in the IDP camps in Pakistan today, will define not only the future of these children, but possibly the future of Pakistan itself. Will these be memories of neglect and disdain and of a world and country who ignored their needs? Or will these be memories of a community and a country coming together as one to respond to these needs? The answer will not only define the future of hundreds of thousands of children, but of a nation itself.
The enemies of Pakistan know this well. And they sow the seeds of fear, of disdain, of doubt, and of hatred amongst these congregations of humanities in need. They realize just how important this moment is. Just a little assistance, a little attention, and dreams of glories untold can turn around an entire generation. Their discourse builds on the idiom of revenge, of fear, of hatred for other Pakistanis and of Pakistan, of promises of revolution outside the folds of Pakistan, of anger, and of vengefulness.
We Pakistanis must also recognize the power of this moment. But our message cannot simply mirror that of our enemies. Our message must be the message of hope, of possibility, of Pakistaniat, of unity, of humaneness and of humanity, of coming together and of rising as one. But, ultimately, no message can resonate simply because of the strategic imperative of the moment; the power of the word derives only from the content of the action that accompanies the word. History shall judge us all, not just by what we say in this moment of need. But what we do in this moment of need.
We at ATP have always been proud of the Pakistaniat of our readers, and reaffirm once again our committment to that Pakistaniat. Including the US$4780 raised from readers in our initial campaign plus teh US$1400 already raised this week and the US$2220 added from our Ad revenues, ATP readers have already raised a total of US$8400 for IDPs; most of which has been already sent to the Edhi organization in Pakistan and UNHCR. We intend to close this current campaign over the next few days, but we will remain committed to doing whatever little we can and urging all to do whatever they can.
Let us never forget that this is not just about the plight of those who have been displaced from their homes; this is also about making sure that the rest of us are never displaced as they have been. This is not about our generosity, this is about our humanity. Let us look into the eyes of these displaced children, and let us infuse into that reflection our own aspirations.
I think the issue is of great importance but our apathy for future (youth) of Pakistan is due to multiple reasons. One that the whole system is not built for a better future of present youth which is quite a secular or mundane ideal. On the contrary we are always taught and surmoned to achieve some goals in the air like hoisting flag in some other country or to change the entire world by brining about islamic revolution. So we will have to revisit our goals and slogans for improving the future of Pakistan.
These people will never return to their homes. The government is not serious about helping anyone but themselves.. like I commented almost a year ago to all these intelligent people telling me that Pakistan will change for the better… now I hear 2/3 of Pakistan has no electricity, clean water and prices are going up every day.. even bangladesh is more modern than Pakistan.
@ssadia
You say:
“Pakistaniat zindabaad.”
But please tell me what you mean by ‘Pakistaniat’.
The other day I saw an interview on a Paky TV channel of a Swati IDP kid. The intervewer asked the kid whether he liked Taliban. He said,”Yes I like them because they talk of ‘Namaz’”. Keeping in view the fact that the kids don’t tell a lie, can you tell me what would he be like when he grows up: A Taliban, hopefully, a moderate one!
‘
I really hope that ATP will make its goal. Less than one day to go and $400 still to go. I have done my small bit. I think even if 20 readers give just $20 each, we will get there. Lets do it!
Pakistaniat zindabaad. You guys are doing a great service to the country.
These poor kids are all victims of the zalim Taliban.
Dear K.K. Alam. Thank you so much for the thought. Yes, we have also heard from a number of other readers in Pakistan that PayPal is not accepting Pakistani credit card. I am sorry about that.
Given that there are many other worthy ways to donate in Pakistan, I would urge you to please do so through which ever source you have most trust in. But - for you and other readers - do please give what you can, through whatever avenue you think you have most confidence in. The important thing is to do our part in whatever way we can.
Thank you all.
Dear Naveed, thank you for the message.
As we have mentioned in previous emails, we started off with sending a first tranche of $2000 to the Edhi organization in Pakistan. A second tranche of $2000 was later sent to UNHCR. Later we sent an additional $1500 each to Edhi and UNHCR again. So a total of $7000 has already been sent to Edhi and UNHCR.
The decision on where to send was largely based on reader comments. On our part we wanted reader support to go to someone involved in long-term support and in earlier emails readers (including donors) seemed to favor these two organizations the most.
We hope to conclude this collection in a couple of days, add some more money from ATP advertising and send out another tranche.
Ideas on good institutions to send it to are always welcome… for ourselves as well as for many readers who are sending directly.