The Faces of Pakistan’s Future

Posted on June 28, 2009
Filed Under >Adil Najam, Disasters, Society
17 Comments
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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.

17 responses to “The Faces of Pakistan’s Future”

  1. farzad says:

    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.

  2. readinglord says:

    @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!

  3. Farrukh says:

    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!

  4. Saadia says:

    Pakistaniat zindabaad. You guys are doing a great service to the country.

  5. Aamir Ali says:

    These poor kids are all victims of the zalim Taliban.

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