Pakistan in Media

Editorial, Dawn, Pakistan
May 15, 2009

HUNDREDS of thousands of internally displaced persons are fleeing the strife-torn areas of Swat, Buner and other parts of the Malakand division while reportedly thousands more remain caught in the crossfire between the TTP insurgents and the military. The plight of these refugees constitutes a humanitarian crisis that may prove to be the litmus test of how far the government and citizenry support those who are the first and most immediate victims of the horror unleashed by the extremists. Unlike the overwhelming outpouring of sympathy and aid after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the current crisis is marked by a lack of either material support or societal solidarity for the IDPs. Yet they are no less deserving of assistance and compassion than the victims of the earthquake — perhaps more so, considering that natural disasters cannot be prevented but the current tragedy is a result of a crisis that is political in nature and as such man-made.

The aid required by the IDPs includes, most immediately, food, shelter, clothing and sanitation. In the longer-term — given the uncertain security situation in their hometowns — affected families will require rehabilitation through employment opportunities, education and absorption into society at large. The primary responsibility for this falls upon the state, for it is incumbent upon the government of the day to protect the life and livelihood of the citizenry. Moreover, only the state has sufficient resources and outreach for long-term rehabilitation. This does not mean, however, that civil society can be absolved. Citizens across the country who have so far not been directly affected by the Taliban’s activities must come to the aid of their brethren. This can be done through making financial and material contributions to private and governmental agencies that are working towards the IDPs’ welfare. Then, the issue of the refugees must be de-linked from ethnic and political concerns since these undermine societal solidarity and further intensify the misery of the IDPs. As citizens of Pakistan, the refugees have a right to protection and assistance offered by not just the state and but also fellow citizens. Most importantly, perhaps, civil society must lobby with the government and its institutions for a successful, speedy end to the military operation and a clean-up of militant-infested areas. The government’s writ must be extended immediately to all its territories, for slow or evasive action against the insurgents may not only give the latter time to regroup, it may also encourage other militant organisations with intentions to spread anarchy.