Why don't we care for our displaced brothers? - Letters

This is with reference to the letter by Sherzad Ali Hyder in
which instead of giving answer to my earlier letter he has
tried to divert attention from the actual issue and also
expressed grave concern over the attitude of the young
generation of Chitral. The most interesting aspect of the
letter was his idea of research which he thinks will help
in changing the Chitralis, specially the youth.

I would like to correct the gentleman that Chitrali youth do
not need any research to find out that their thinking is
negative or positive; what they need is to identify the
self-centered elements among them due to which the
people of Chitral have been suffering since long.

The very recent example is the fund raising campaign in the
name of Lowari Tunnel and the way it was used by some
individuals. Had there been awareness amongst the people
who gathered these funds, the money would not have been
used in such a wasteful manner.

Why the gentleman has become so personal is another
point to ponder. It clearly shows he has no material
defence in support of the said NGO.
Secondly, I would like to make it clear that being a
journalist, I am duty bound to speak for Chitral and expose
those who work against its interests. If a journalist does
not point the weaknesses of any person or an organization
playing with the innocence of the masses, it would be
dereliction of duty, lack of professionalism and in many
cases favouritism.


Zulfiqar Ahmad
Islamabad


-------------------------
This letter refers to Qazi Fazal Elahi's letter and reaction of Mr. Zulfiqar Ahmad. I would like to make two simple points. Qazi's argument is valid and considerable number of Chitralis in Rawalpindi/Islamabad is resourceful, therefore they can contribute for the mentioned cause. Since CDF is accountable to its members thus Mr. Zulfiqar's demand is fair enough and CDF should give an account of the progress. However, the objective judgment of Mr. Zulfiqar about CDF' activities may not be correct as he does not qualify for such sweeping statement as single individual no matter how well educated, strong intellectual and seasoned analyst he is. I do not appose the criticism, as it always guides individuals and organizations in gauging their paths for direction and one cannot claim hundred percent successes is struggle. This is inherited (at least I admit) problem with majority of Chitrali who highlight the weaknesses and avoid to look at positive aspects of the same thing. This behavior is reflected in the reactions of majority of our young generation to any issue. A thorough social research may be required to determine the causes of such an established mindset and attitude which is socially destructive. This may further increase the process of social division in our society which is already fragile.


Sherzad Ali Hyder

Islamabad

---------------------------------------

I am writing these lines after going through the letter of Qazi Fazal Elahi (May 12) in which he has lamented the apathy of Chitralis towards their Muslim brothers displaced from Malakand Division.



Qazi Sahib refers to a recently formed NGO called Chitral Development Forum and says it "collected approximately Rs1600,000 for the purposes of a mega cultural show and a seminar on Lowari Tunnel. It means Chitralis and Chitrali NGOs have the capability to play their role and contribute their share on humanitarian grounds as and when needed."



Nobody can disagree with the writer about the capabilities of the Chitralis. However, recent history of the so-called welfare organizations launched by Chitralis leaves much to be desired. The NGO referred to above collected huge donations from Chitralis living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in the name of Lowari Tunnel and promising that over 22 ambassadors and scores of federal ministers were to attend the seminar in Serena Hotel aimed to bring development to Chitral. However, the seminar turned out to be a closed door debate of stereotypes while the so-called cultural show even brought embarrassment to the organizers let alone demonstrate the true culture of the proud people of Chitral.



My request to the honorable Qazi Sahib is: Can he ask the NGO to give account of the money collected in the name of Chitral. Otherwise, the confidence of the people of Chitral on civil society organizations will further shatter and the Chitralis will remain a silent spectator to human sufferings as in the case of Malakand Division.



Zulfiqar Ahmad

Islamabad


--------------------------

In the light of tradition reported from the holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the
Muslims have been enjoined to provide assistance to their Muslim brothers
whether they are oppressed or oppressor. As a result of the ongoing fighting
between the armed forces and militants, one and half million people of
Malakand including women and children have shifted to relatively peaceful
parts of the country. Various political parties, organizations and NGOs and
other kind-hearted individuals and families are extending support to the
violence affected people of Malakand.In this time of need, the Chitralis and
Chitrali welfare organizations are nowhere in the list of those extending
support to these less fortunate Muslim brothers and sisters. The absence
of Chitralis and various welfare organizations in providing relief to violence
affected people of Malakand is felt greatly. It is worth mentioning that the
recently formed Chitral Development Forum had collected approximately
Rs1600,000 for the purposes of mega cultural show and a seminar on
Lowari Tunnel. It means that the Chitralis and Chitrali welfare
organizations have the capability to play their role and contribute their
share on humanitarian grounds as and when needed.
The Chitrali doctors, lawyers, traders' unions, govt employees and public
in general must come forward and help their brothers.

Qazi Fazal Elahi
Islamabad