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.
Absolutely they are
Future Of Pakistan…
We hope after the deadliest show of Taliban
No one will make their homeland
a safe heaven for their strategic assets….
We hope they will be given a clear concept of
Pakistaniat and confusions and illusions will not not prevail them….
I do state that we as pakistani`s have lost rather much,
-one thing we can`t afford to loose is our beloved children.
But as is concerned with much in life, we all have to answer
…..one day.
Out talk has te be implemented in and integrated into our person, so that the voices/sounds heard are just not hollow echo`es of double-standards tranduced through the winding into the curly receptor in the inner ear.
What beautiful children and what beautiful pictures capturing the essence of Pakistan. Indeed Pakistani children are some of the most beautiful children in the World.
I have great hope in Pakistian and the Pakistani people. The road ahead may not be easy but I don’t see the Pakistani people sitting idoly by as the Taliban attempts to create another Afghanistan environment.
One thing that is undeniable is the Patriotism mentioned by “Zarin.” Pakistanis are proud and united in their love for the motherland. They have come so far in the past 60+ years. They have etched a place of their own to be united and to call home. Now, more than ever they must come together and unite and fight to save Pakistan and its future. The time to act is now! The battles for change have already begun…but the war isn’t over yet!
It’s imperitive that the gov’t gives the people a sense of hope by showing them that their desires have value and are important, that Pakistan belongs to them, to be molded by them, and that they have the full support of the Pakistani Gov’t.
Gov’t corruption is a threat to this ideal and must be dealt with fearlessly and swiftly. Basically we know what it comes down to. Is the future of Pakistan worth dying for? Are the children and their future worth dying for? Without a doubt, a civil war is on the horizon. Let’s just hope that everyone does their part and doesn’t sit idly by waiting for someone else to have a voice and stand up for what is right and take care of the problem. It is going to require a “United Front.”
Powerful write-up.
Yes, these children represent Pakistan’s future. The Taliban and their supporters are already very active in the camps to recruit them and if they succeed then Pakistan as we know it will be lost.
I love the strong sense of patriotism that exudes from all your posts and the mere feel of your website.
I am a proud Pakistani and Long Live Pakistan!