The start of army operation against militants in Malakand Division of North West Frontier Province (Pakistan) resulted in the largest displacement in the last 15 years history. It was in Rwanda in 1994 where 0.7 million got shelter in UNHCR camps and it was considered the largest displacement. Now due to military operation against terrorists (Taliban and Al-Qaeda) resulted in displacement of 1.2 million people from the area, but 0.46 million had registered till Sunday evening. All this happened so sudden that people did not get the chance to take any thing with them. They left their houses full and came out in search for peaceful shelter. Provincial and Federal governments of NWFP and Pakistan, UNHCR and many other small and large local organizations are busy in helping these homeless people. Following is also an appeal from one of such an organization. I know the organizers personally; belong to the Tehsil Kabal, of District Swat, the most affected area. Although their own family are still in threat, as they did not come out due to curfew. It is their courage that although they are themselves victims, but they started helping others. Let’s join hands to help and encourage them.
Dated: 12 May, 2009
I am making this request on behalf of OMEED (Organization for rural development) working in Swat and the surrounding areas for last 4 years. OMEED is active to assist the displaced people of Malakand division in any respect. This appeal is to all those colleagues, friends, and community members, who are interested in, have the opportunity and resource to help the displaced families and individuals from Swat and other districts including Buner and Dir of Malakand division, Pakistan.
We are having concerns for our relatives, friends, and residents from Swat, Buner and Dir who are displaced, affected psychologically and socially and are forced to leave their homeland. They are displaced because of the inhuman and worst militancy of the Pakistani history, barbarism, cruelty, and by very much non-targeted military operation. They have been compelled to leave without any assets in hand for two times bread and with no prior arrangements for dwelling because of no information in advance by the Pakistan Army and the Government about the severity of the situation after declaration of the Military Operation in the region.
Being from modest families, most of the Swatis don't have the aptitude to live in camps and have been reaching their far and near relatives for help and support. This is an extra-ordinary situation for all, where they are not counted by the aid agencies on one hand and are deprived of any assistance on the other. This calls for our wisdom, generosity and humanity to come forward and reach these families and assist them. A small help from us will provide some relief to them.
I am requesting all friends to donate money, food items, send medicine (which may be lying spare at homes and still unexpired) food items, spare mattresses, spare blankets and pillows, and even prayers to help these displaced people. We are starting this campaign with donation from our pocket money and are forwarding this to all of you for your sympathetic consideration. I would also request you to help in forwarding this appeal to your families, friends, colleagues, rich and poor, who would like to help in any way.
It is declared by UNHCR that about 1.2 million people are displaced and the number is increasing each hour. About 400,000 are registered and others are waiting for registration.
Note: Due to high insurgency and full time imposition of curfew in swat, the local Banks are not-functional therefore the following account is used on emergency basis. You are requested to deposit financial donations if any in the following Bank details or contact the author of this article for further details.
Account title: Khalid Farooq
A/C Number: 1002261
Bank SWIFT Code: MUCBPKKAA
Branch Code: 633
Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) Satellite town branch, Chandni Chowk Rawalpindi
Pakistan.
Dr. Khalid Farooq
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