Journeys to democracy

IDPs Bannu. Courtesy: Dawn

While supporting the much delayed military operation against the militants, we need to also support the democratic political process and strengthening accountability and the rule of law in Pakistan. See ‘Recapturing North Waziristan: A tragic necessity‘ – interview of Pervez Hoodbhoy in Viewpointonline. Meanwhile, the fighting is taking a toll on the people of North Waziristan, thousands of whom have fled the fighting and are now refugees in their own land – internally displaced people or IDPs in development jargon.

Here are links to three moving articles on the issue that highlight the humanitarian aspect and suffering, by Rashida Dohad, Owais Tohid and Taha Siddiqui. Rashida and Taha also make the point that militant organisations are reaping dividends in terms of goodwill “while the state fidgets or forsakes”; credible organisations are made to obtain non-objection certificates while religious and extremist organisations are allowed “to operate freely”.

A close up of the banner advertising Jaish-e-Mohammad – Photo by Taha Siddiqui

The Omar Asghar Khan Foundation, the organisation Rashida works with, is raising funds to support the NWA IDPs in collaboration with another well-known NGO, Khwendo Kor. Here is their appeal for help – click to open inPDF format: NWA IDPs. Please contribute if you would like and also please share with others.

Filed under: 'Internally Displaced Persons' | Tagged: IDPs, Khwendo Kor, military operation North Waziristan, omar asghar khan foundation, owais tohid, Pakistan, rashida dohad, Taha Siddqiui |