A Story in 3 Pictures: Of Defiance, Hope, and Need

Posted on May 24, 2009
Filed Under >Adil Najam, About ATP, Disasters, Society
17 Comments
Total Views: 59900

Adil Najam

The three pictures in this post need little by way of commentary. Between them they present three facets of the unfolding IDPs story that will, one way or the other, help define Pakistan’s future. All three are pictures of internally displaced Pakistanis (IDPs). But much more than that, these are pictures about each one of us. These are pictures about their defiance, their hopes, and their needs. But these must also become pictures of our defiance, our hopes and our continuing resolve to help them meet those needs.

The first picture, above, must serve as a reminder to all of us of what this is all about. Who the IDPs are. In whose name they have been ‘displaced.’ And why this must be a story about all of us. The second picture is the type of picture I hope we will see more of; and soon. It shows a bus returning to Buner as at least part of the region has now been cleared of Pakistan’s enemies. But it is the third picture that we must not forget. It is a picture of the immediatcy of and the enormity of the relief needs that are still needed and which will continue to be needed; even if we did see many more pictures like the middle one (which I earnestly hope we will).

It is in meeting these immediate needs that allof us can play a real role, no matter where we are. ATP readers have already contributed upwards of US$ 5500 ($3500 through direct contributions, and $2000 from our Ads). We have now sent US$ 2000 to the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan and US$ 2000 to UNHCR. We continue to collect and intend to make a third tranche of contribution soon. As always, do let us know of other good ways to get the IDPs the support they need.

17 responses to “A Story in 3 Pictures: Of Defiance, Hope, and Need”

  1. Shiraz says:

    1. One of my juniors from College of Telecommunication, National University of Sciences and Technologies (NUST) in Pakistan have created this social network at http://idppakistan.ning.com/ .

    Here is his message: I guess I sent you invitation as well. If not just go ahead an sign up. On the donate link you shall find organizations currently involved in helping the idps. Please let others also know about it. What we are trying to do is get feedback from the effected people and post them in this network to help donors decide where to donate.

    3. My Alumni has raised ~10 Lakh Rs. and few of my juniors have left for Mardan area to distribute food and consumables. We are continuing to raise the funds.

    4. I also recommend that you write to your CEOs and ask them to donate to UNCHR and setup matching funds so employees can contribute.

  2. Saad says:

    Very moving. Yes, the need will be long term even if some are now going back. We all should chip in if we can. Whatever we can do. ATP is doing great service with this. The taliban people are already recruiting in these camps. We Pakistanis have to make sure we stand up to them.

  3. Mehak Khan says:

    Lets hope for the best

  4. Yusuf Haq says:

    Adil Najam,

    I’m sure you are upto-date on the current situation of IDPs. Our politicians who *forced* Pakistan army to conduct the operation *clean-up* are now forcing the Federal Govt to restrict the victims of Swat and Malakand Area to N.W.F.P only?

    Why is that so? are they not Pakistanis?

    I’m a Muhajir from Karachi and my heart goes out to All Pakistanis, and I’m embarassed at the ‘racist’ attitude of our *liberal* political thugs like Altaf Hussain, PPP Sindh and all other racist elements in Pakistan.

    Can the Pakistanis stand-up to this? and demand that every Pakistani has every right to go, live, and do business in every inch of Pakistan.

    Down with racism and down with these political cum racist thugs who currently rule Pakistan.

  5. Waseem says:

    Wonderful work as always

    All three pics are emotive. Love the one with the flag. This I’d our fight again the enemies of Pakistan which is why we must all help in whatever way we can

    This is our duty

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*