Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – Christians have been placing their resources, experience, and capacities at the services of the suffering refugees from the Swat Valley, in the North-West Frontier Province. Over two million people have fled the area, now a battlefield for the conflict between the Taliban and the Pakistani Army (see Fides 13 and 19/6/2009).
Caritas Pakistan has been monitoring the situation in the refugee camps, which are “overpopulated, in extreme hygienic situations...and the heat of over 50 degrees (Celsius) will lead to further problems,” says Eric Dayal, Caritas Pakistan Coordinator. Caritas has concentrated its aid towards over 150,000 refugees in the Mardan area, setting up tents, guaranteeing food, water, and medical assistance. Thanks, as well, to help from Caritas of the United States, Switzerland, and Ireland, they have been able to reach out to the communities of Peshawar, Swabi, Abbotabad, and Manshera, concentrating on the needs of women and children, and the weakest in this emergency.
There are now camps for the authorities and there are 27 NGOs in the 6 districts near the Swat Valley. The Christian volunteers are offering aid to a population that is mainly Muslim, without any prejudice or discrimination. Among the refugees, there is also a part of the 100,000 Christians present in the North-West Frontier Province.
The Catholic organizations are trying to organize schooling for the children and youth, as the situation and their stay in the refugee camps could last for months.
The National Justice and Peace Commission of the Pakistani Bishops is also working to help the Christian refugees in the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, placing various places of lodging at their disposition. “The Christian refugees are concerned and frightened by the attack of the Taliban,” volunteers told Fides.
Representatives of the Christian Churches in Pakistan have presented a Report to civil authorities on the violence against religious minorities in the world, published by “Minority Rights Group International.” According to the Report, Pakistan is among the countries where the violence is the strongest and most widespread, along with Somalia Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Irak, Myanmar, and Congo. Attacks and threats – linked to various situations such as the law on blasphemy and the advance of the Taliban – have increased in the last year, threatening the rights of non-Muslim Pakistani citizens. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2009)
