CARE starts distribution in Mardan by M. Ashfaq Yusufzai
Today, CARE started the distribution of relief items for displaced persons in Mardan.
A family receives a kit from CARE. (2009 Muhammad Zahir Yusafzai)
I was able to observe it and could listen to the speech of Ayub Khan, Mayor of the Union Council Bazaar, who held an official ceremony for the occasion. The mayor, also called 'Nazim' in the traditional language, is the coordinator of cities, towns and union councils in Pakistan. Nazim Ayub Khan appreciated the effort of CARE and thanked us by saying, "Since April 28, when migration from adjacent Buner district started due to military action, it is the first time that an organization has distributed relief goods in formal way."
The mayor also applauded the spirit of the local people, saying they had made history by reaching opening their homes and supporting clost to 19,000 people from Buner. And I certainly agree with him. Even though people here are poor, too, they are helping refugees and sharing the little they do have. Amidst all the sad news about fights and displacement, I could detect a spark of hope.
Fighting in Pakistan has led to more than one million people fleeing their homes. (2009 Muhammad Zahir Yusafzai)
However, after the mayor's uplifting comments, he spoke of the need for more help. He said, "People sleeping under shadows of trees." I can see it with my own eyes; people here are in desperate need of medicine, food and other essential items.
Today, $400,000 of relief was distributed among the displaced. About 500 families, approximately 3,500 people, were given plastic floor mats, mosquito nets, shawls, hygiene kits and kitchen sets.
During the distribution, I talked to many refugees. I wanted to listen to their voices. I was eager to hear their opinions. I spoke with Lal Babi, who is from Pacha Killey Buner. He said life was good there before the Taliban's foray and the subsequent military operation. "We fear going back due to the fighting of the Taliban and the military," he said.
CARE and local partners delivered truck loads of emergency supplies on May 17, 2009. (2009 Muhammad Zahir Yusafzai)
Abdul Karim of Pir Baba Buner is of the view that begging for help was against Pakhtun tradition and the religion of Islam. But he cannot survive otherwise. People here are undergoing an awful time. Nauroz Shah of the same locality, asked the mayor to please bring in more assistance to help the people – and earn the blessings of God and people's prayers.
After the distribution, I remember Nazim Ayub Khan's words. He assured the people of his utmost help and said that the government should not forget the refugees who live with host families. He cited official figures, which state that only 13 percent of the internally displaced persons live in camps. The majority, 87 percent are staying with locals in the host communities. The coping mechanisms of these families are stretched and they are at risk of lacking essential things for survival. They were poor before; now they have more mouths to feed.
I can only hope, that more relief arrives soon, and the people who have suffered so much finally will see hope again.
CARE's Response
On Sunday, May 17, 2009, together with partner organizations, CARE distributed essential items to 500 families (3,500 persons). The items included 1,000 plastic floor mats, 1,000 mosquito nets, 1,500 female and 1,500 male shawls, 500 hygiene kits and 500 kitchen sets.
Read More
Return to Crisis in Pakistan page >
