I do not read the paper and I block out most of what is happening in the world as it is all too overwhelming. But, when a friend has a connection to a tragedy suddenly I am ultra aware and concerned about the situation. Last week it happened when my friend and film maker Michealene Cristini Risley brought the rape of children in Zimbabwe to my attention, and this morning it happened when my dear friend Salma Ali alerted me of what is happening in her home land of Pakistan. She writes:"The news out of [Swat] Pakistan is dire. This morning's NYT reports that the number of civilians fleeing the fighting has reached 1.3 million. While the Pakistani government and relief agencies have set up some camps and food distribution centers, it is not nearly enough to accommodate this growing humanitarian crisis."
Caught in the cross fire between the Taliban and the Pakistani Government thousands are stranded, homeless, and without hope in Swat. Over 70% of the population is now living as refugees in the most squalid conditions outside Swat. Those left behind in Swat are the old and frail and they have no water, electricity or food rations. Their homes have been bombed and targeted and reduced to rubble.
To really understand take a look at some of these photos of the refugees.
If you are as moved to action as I was, you can donate to The Center For Dialogue, Peace and Action as they are collecting money now for food, shelter and clothing for the refugees.
Your donation will be tax deductable. They are registered in Washington DC, The Congressional District Programs, and their Tax ID is: 65-0970090.
Zeenat Ahmed
Program Manager
Center for Dialogue Peace and Action,
7216 Millwood Ct, Bethesda, MD 20817
Zeenat Ahmed
Program Manager
Center for Dialogue Peace and Action,
7216 Millwood Ct, Bethesda, MD 20817
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