TALIBAN NOT WELCOME IN PAKISTAN!

For Pak Fauj and FC kay Jawan - Bushra Hassan

KHARAN: Pak Army Soldier Stands alert during operation against militants. PHOTO by Sultan Dogar

As I look around me, I’m surprised to see that very few of us realize the gravity of the situation we’re in. We are a country at war. Not with Talibans, not with Islamic fundamentalists, but in fact with foreign funded militants who under the guise of Islam have been creating havoc, and destabilizing an already fragile country. In a time of war, when millions are homeless, countless dead, we all have succumbed to - what the media has only further reiterated – irresponsible banter and opinion making. We raise questions undermining the integrity of others; we belittle our official strategies and view points. But what is disappointing in all these questions is that none of these are aimed at our selves. What have we personally been doing about our understanding of the Taliban? What are we doing to support the Army operation?

I’m not a fan of the Pakistan Army. Correction: I’m not a fan of the Pakistan’s Generals. Most, if not all of them. The arrogance, attitude and the absence of accountability within the armed forces. However, does this make me question this institution in a time of war? Never! I have two choices. One to sit back and criticize; and secondly, to take proactive measures that will instill a sense of nationhood not just for those around me, but even within myself. I need to feel connected to something positive, to something larger than me.

"I have two choices. One to sit back and criticize; and secondly, to take proactive measures that will instill a sense of nationhood not just for those around me, but even within myself. I need to feel connected to something positive, to something larger than me."

I have realized since the Operations began that it is okay, if our political leadership sucks, because our Armed Forces are not failing us. They have reminded me that I am one of 16 million. My one action will be added with 16 million other singular actions. Big, small, financial, or moral. I am a part of a wave that will raise this nation higher than ever before. I will stand behind the fauji jawan, the young man who is fighting the militants at the moment. Fighting them for us. Doing what we have been wanting him to do for ages. He is fighting my war for me, and I will stand behind him. I pray for him, I support him and I appreciate him. This is the least I can do. The least I can do is not criticize. The least I can do is say a prayer. The least I can do is become worthy of him fighting with his life to protect me.

This is my vow to our jawans: I will become worthy of this country. I will become worthy of this fight. I will become worthy of your sacrifice.

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Bushra Hassan is an Oxford University Graduate and more importantly, A PATRIOT!

How Green Was My Valley - Omar Jamil

Quite a few years back, in my previous incarnation as a journalist, my dear friend Rafay Alam chided me for beginning all my stories with the phrase, "When I was younger..."

'It seems ironic now that some of my best, happiest and most joy and fun-filled times in Pakistan occurred under military dictatorships.'

As I sit here typing out these words, gripped by feelings of grief and anger, I can't help but hearken back to my years growing up in Lahore... It seems ironic now that some of my best, happiest and most joy and fun-filled times in Pakistan occurred under military dictatorships. Indeed, perhaps even more ironic that I find myself missing a youth spent largely under General Zia's rather repressive regime.

I remember long night drives... parking our cars across the Ravi and watching the sun rise slowly over the minarets of the Badshahi Mosque... early morning breakfasts or sneaking out past midnight - on foot - to get juice from Liberty... Yes, things were not perfect - God knows, far from it... But there was hope for the future... and we all seemed to believe in a better tomorrow.

Yet now, as I watch the news coming out of Pakistan, hearing of the repeated bombings and the destitution faced by almost 2 million Pakistanis, I can't help but wish those days returned... And I keep asking myself, "What the Hell happened?"

Over 2 million people displaced... And who do you think they consider responsible?

Oh I know, there are a hundred and one socio-political explanations... the constant finger-pointing and blame game - the military is responsible... or America... or a myriad corrupt politicians/bureaucrats/judges etc etc (and you can replace those words with pretty much anything really - businessmen, lawyers, civil society...)...

The point is, I just can't get over the feeling that it is WE who are responsible.

Every

Single

Solitary

One of US

I am no less to blame for the failure of our state or our society... As are most of my fellow countrymen... ESPECIALLY our 'elite'... We have sat in our air-conditioned ivory towers and frittered away our future in fashion shows and GTs and Porche showrooms... Fiddling away
merrily as the country burns around us... Hell, Nero was a sociopath... what was OUR excuse...???

I feel like asking our parents, our 'elders' - how could let this happen? How could you let things get so incredibly bad? I'd happily assign all the blame to their generation... After all, our lot
inherited this mess, right?

WRONG...

Like I said, we're ALL to blame...

So now is the time, folks, to stand up and be COUNTED... This is it... this is our last chance at redeeming ourselves and our country and reclaiming our future. We bitch and we moan, "What can we do?"

'Now is the time, folks, to stand up and be COUNTED... This is it... this is our last chance at redeeming ourselves and our country and reclaiming our future. We bitch and we moan, "What can we do?"

The answer, ladies and gents, is WHATEVER WE CAN...'

The answer, ladies and gents, is WHATEVER WE CAN...

I've been sitting here in London, feeling completely helpless... Shattered as I saw pictures of the most recent bomb blast... and then physically sick when I saw the state of the IDPs... these are Pakistanis.... they're not refugees from another country. These are OUR countrymen... without home or hearth... Looks more like Beirut in the Eighties than the Lahore I remember...
Will we let our beloved country go the way of Afghanistan? How did we let things get so bad? By being complacent, that's how...

By letting others bear the burden so that we can continue living our sheltered lives...

How can we fix it? God alone knows if that's even possible - but if it is, then it's only by each and EVERY one of doing something - great or small - whatever... our small bit to let our country shine.

Even as I salute our brave army jawaans and bow my head in prayer for those that have fallen, I tip my hat to people like my friend Rafay... I myself am guilty of laughing at him for cycling around town and trying desperately to get more people involved to help preserve our
environment... I applaud those young twenty-somethings who got their hands TRULY dirty cleaning up our streets... i raise my clenched fist in defiant support for all those journalists willing to write about the REAL issues and boldly denounce these 'munafiks'... I thank God for all those who are doing their bit for those of our countrymen left bereft (people like Attiq and Jarrar and Ayeda and Nuscie)... I sing joyously (even as my eyes brim with tears) along with all those
musicians who recently sang for our freedom - that's YOURS and MINE, folks...

The cynic in me sneers slightly at these words... Whispers softly that nothing will ever change. That this is how things are and this is how things will always be - until there is no longer anything left to burn or destroy.

And yet...

And yet... I believe so strongly, so (excuse my French) fucking fervently that we are made of stronger stuff. That our country can and WILL survive this... Not only survive, but rise from the ashes of this destruction like a fiery fucking phoenix waiting to take the world by storm.

As I write these words, I am reminded of Faiz's words:

Aur yeh safaak masiha meray kabzey mein nahin
Iss jahan ke kisee zee rooh ke kabzey mein nahin
Haan, magar teray siva, teray siva, teray siva...

So, let us all stand up, my friends, let us hold hands and UNITE... THIS IS OUR TIME...!!!! Pakistan Zindabad!!!

PS: Apologies to those who felt this a tad OTT - but as I said, we all need to do our bit, and all I have is these words and a truckload of otherwise useless passion...

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"Let the lover be disgraceful, crazy, absent-minded. Someone sober will worry about events going badly. Let the lover be." - Rumi

Dawn News Documentary: We Are Soldiers.

Major Abid - A hero to his Last Breath!

Unfortunately the Pakistan Army has been the butt of Public Criticism during the last few years, but the people forget that the Pakistan Army and its valiant soldiers have always been injecting the fresh blood in the national polity by their inimitable sacrifices, be it the floods or the earthquake or the war against the enemy.

Same spirit of sacrifice and valour is being exhibited in the ongoing struggle against the militants. The heroic story of Major ABID MAJEED bears testimony to this reality. On the fateful morning of May 18, 2009 Major Abid Majeed's brother Major Khalid was entrusted the task of recurring the area from Shalpalam to Jura whereas Major Abid Majeed's company was responsible for securing the area from Jura to Nazarabad. Major Khalid's company successfully secured the area followed by Major Abid Majeed. Thereafter Major Abid Majeed's company was ordered to more forward. Thirteen vehicles of the company moved to safety however the last vehicle came under heavy and precise firing, near a nullah bend, by the militants. The driver of the vehicle embraced martyrdom there and then. No more movement was possible as the route was blocked. The forward troops tried to move back and rescue the trapped soldiers, however due to accurate and effective firing by the militants the movement was not possible. It was then at 1645 hrs that Major Abid Majeed decided to move back himself. He took two soldiers, the first aid kit and a water bottle and ordered his company to engage the militants. In the rain of bullets he rushed to site, dragged the two bleeding soldiers Sepoy Tariq and Sepoy Nausherwan to a place of safety. He immediately poured water into their mouths and then started bandaging them to stop the flow of blood. In the meantime his shoulder got exposed and shot. Not bettered by it, he kept engaged himself in the task of bandaging. The second bullet hit in his ribs, still did not prevent him from completing his task. Unmoved by the blood gushing out of his wounds he dragged the soldiers to a safer place. In the process he was hit by three bullets and he fell down. While bleeding profusely, he took the wireless to talk to his brother Major Khalid (for the last time), who was 100 meters away. "BROTHER I HAVE TO PAY SO MUCH TO SO AND SO, DO NOT FORGET IT. TAKE CARE OF THE MOTHER AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES LEAVE THE JOB OF ELIMINATING THE MISCREANTS INCOMPLETE. I WISH I COULD MARCH ON TO MINGORA AND SEE IT CLEAR OF THE MILITANTS". And then he succumbed to his injuries but he managed to save the lives of two soldier/comrades.

Sepoy Tariq and Nowsharwan can not control their tears at the mention of Major Abid Majeed's name. The only words they utter are" Why Major Sahib why not us".

Long live Pakistan Army! Long Live Pakistan!

Source: ISPR

Brigadier Syed Azmat Ali

Rawalpindi

The Green Ribbon Vigil - 3rd June 2009, 8pm

While you read this, I am sitting keeping guard... I have faith in you, enough to risk my life and protect yours. When you complain about the traffic jam in the morning, I am busy fighting sprays of bullets. I have had many sleepless nights while you have slept comfortably in your bed. I have seen my brothers fall right infront of my eyes, but it has only made my resolve stronger. I may never come back home, but if I can bring peace to yours I will consider my purpose fulfilled.

Candlelight Vigils being held in Lahore and Islamabad simultaneously on Wednesday, 3rd June 2009 at 8pm - 8.45pm (Punctuality is requested). Wear the Green Ribbon and light a candle in Memory of those who have lost their lives fighting the militant extremists or have been unfortunate victims of terror attacks and to show support to those who continue to fight for Peace. Venues to be announced.

For every person who thinks that they cannot make a difference, there are 50 others thinking the same. How will you tell the soldier who stands all night on guard that you didn't have 45 minutes to show support?? Join us and make a difference... Every person counts!!

Pakistani's defining Google Map Maker

Pakistan is showing fast growth in it's IT sector these days. It's online users are growing at a very fast rate. Pakistanis are coming up with many online business models and contributing to over all Internet achievements.

Since the release of Google Map Maker , a service that allows you to create a map by adding or editing features such as roads, businesses, parks, schools and more. Pakistanis have contributed a lot in populating its maps in Pakistan. Now, google maps even give driving directions in Pakistan , as reported by ProPakistani.

Recently reported by a news agency ANI, citing Banglore-based 'Lalit Katragadda', the founder of "Map Maker" says:

"Pakistan netizens are posting more localized information and data to the Google's 'map maker' than the web users of any of the 160 countries which are using the leading internet search engine's experiment."

Below is the full press release by ANI:

Silicon Valley (California), May 23 (ANI): Pakistan netizens are posting more localized information and data to the Google's 'map maker' than the web users of any of the 160 countries which are using the leading internet search engine's experiment.

Lalit Katragadda, the founder of Map Maker software informed that a particular Pakistani based in London has posted most frequent edits to the Google's Map Maker, a user-operated software.
Katragadda, who is based in Bangalore, told The Nation via teleconference that the software updates information instantly after a user sitting anywhere in theworld within 160 countries posts an edit to the live Map Maker.

When questions were put forth regarding the authenticity of the data provided by any of the net users, Katragadda said, it can always be verified by the software.

"We can always verify from authentic as well as independent sources within an hour's time," he added.
Any such experiment, related to a country's geographical territory can always be a sensitive issue, and could have some implications, but the Google's Map Maker had not come across any political issues till now.

"We have not faced any political issues so far," Katragadda said. (ANI)

LRBT at IDP Camps

TO: thecitizenstrust.goodnews@blogger.com

Pakistan is challenged with Swat Crisis which is being termed as largest humanitarian and displacement crisis since Independence. Among the health problems these victims are facing, are various eye diseases. Shortly after their establishment of the camps LRBT began running eye clinics at all locations.

Our medical teams visit the camps to examine eye patients, and then provide whatever services are needed: whether it is refraction including the provision of free glasses, medication or surgery. Surgical patients are transported to the nearby Akora Khattak hospital, Boarding and Lodging is provided for the period of their stay in the hospital, and then they are dropped back to their temporary homes All this, in the tradition of LRBT is free.

LRBT is serving as a candle of hope to these wretched people who are looking up to us for help and we all will be blessed if we guard their hope and keep it shining till we all see the light of a brighter day.

For more details: www.lrbt.org.pk

Martyrs of Operations Rah-e-Rast - Shaheed ki Jo Maut hai, Woh Qaum ki Hayaat hai!

Brass Tacks - Operation Rah-e-Haq

Keep the Pakistan Flag flying High

Get your flag today!!

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER

Remember me as i walk away
for you i lived and died this day
And in this moment i can recall
that as i fell i still stood tall
Into the falling night i cry
tell them i love them and tell them why
I am not there to see them grow
or curb the wild oats they sow
I am the one with arms held wide
even in death not stepping aside
For god and country i am here
your pain i hold i feel your fear
Freedom is my gift to you
as i left, this price i knew
I am so cold and so afraid
and as the fear begins to fade
I think of those to follow me
to give their lives to liberty
As i taste death's embrace
i pray for strength and a bit of grace
Let me die as i have lived
leaving nothing to forgive
My eyes are heavy let me rest
I know now i have done my best

Gen Amir Faisal Alvi Shaheed

Capt Bilal Zafar Shaheed

Capt Waqqas Zameer Shaheed

Major Zia Shaheed

Capt Omer Zeb Shaheed

Capt Omer Zeb Shaheed

Capt Jonaid Khan Shaheed

Capt Bilal Zafar Abbasi Shaheed

...just a few images, and thousands of others willing to lay their lives for their beloved homeland, Pakistan.

Lahore bids farewell to a hero who was fighting a war for Pakistan’s survival

May 21, 2009 ·
Daily Times reports:
Major Abid laid to rest

LAHORE: Major Abid Majeed, who was martyred while fighting the Taliban in Nazarabad area of Matta tehsil, was laid to rest at the Army Ground, Shaudha Graveyard, with full military honours. The body of Major Abid reached Lahore on Tuesday.

His family considered his martyrdom a sacrifice for the country and the will of God. They urged the people to support the army against anti-state elements in the ongoing operation in the country’s north. He was buried with full army protocol. Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhshi and other civil and military officers attended the funeral prayer. The corps commander laid a floral wreath on the grave on behalf of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani. Abid was supposed to celebrate his 34th birthday on May 25.

Major Abid got commission in Pakistan Army in 1997. He had served in the UN peace mission in Congo and had also been posted to Siachen. Major Abid’s father Abdul Majeed was a colonel, while his grandfather Muhammad Khadim was a subedar in the army.

Talking to the media, Major Abid’s widow Ishrat Abid urged the people to pray for the army officials and support them. She said her husband had brought respect and honour to her and their two children. His uncle Abdul Hafeez said he was happy that his nephew had given his life to save the country. His mother said Abid’s dream to give his life for the country had come true. Major Abid is the second major from Lahore to give his life for the country in the line of duty. On April 19, Major Malik Azhar of Gulshan Ravi was martyred in Hangu in a suicide attack. Major Azhar was buried in Miani Sahib Graveyard with full army protocol.

Pakistan Rising: Youth Take Charge, First Update from the Field

Support the Youth in Supporting the Country!!!
Volunteer Work Verified by Group Admin.

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Pakistan Rising Family Relief Packages delivered on 23rd May 2009

Areas of Dispatch:
1. Khudu Khel, Buner
2. Sudum Khairabad, Mardan
3. Tahir Flour Mill, Mardan

Focus Segment: Hosted families

Local Contacts: Khudu Khel: Mr. Inam Khan
Sudum Khairabad: Mr. Abdul Ahad Khan & Mr. Khalid Khan
Tahir Flour Mill: Mr. Bakht Muneer

Time of Delivery: Khudu Khel: 2:30pm
Sudum Khairabad: 6:30pm
Tahir Flour Mill: 12:00am

Relief Package details:

Item 1:
6kg Gas cylinder with 3kg filled gas and stove attachment

Item 2:
Food Items• 20kg Flour• 2kg Ghee in 1kg packs• 5kgs Lentils – Channa 2.5 kg & 2.5kg Masar• 2.5kg Sugar• 10kg Rice• 0.5kg Tea

Item 3:
Water cooler

Item 4:
2 chittais + 2 Bedsheets

Item 5:
Kitchen Set• 1 Tawa• 1 Wooden cooking spoon• 1 Pateeli Big• 1 Pateeli Small

Item 6:
Non-Food Items• 25lts Plastic bucket• 2 hand held plastic fans• 8 plastic plates• 8 plastic glasses• 1 Jug with lid• 1 Lota• 1 Muga

Item 7:
Medicine Kit• Prickly Heat Powder• Cotton • Linen Bandages [2 small & 1 large]• Primodin• Dettol• Ventolin syrup• Isphagol Sachets• Neomycin tube• Brufen tablets• Disprol• Disprin• Ponstan• Wyeth Entox-P• Panadol Extra• Wintogeno• Mercurochrome• ORS sachets• Saniplast band-aids

1 Laptop was also presented to Mr. Jahangir Khan head of the local volunteers NGO Touru Tigers. Touru Tigers are managing on the ground distribution and management of Sh.Shahzad and Sh. Yasin IDP camps set up on the Mardan Charsadda road by the Government.

Details of Delivery:
All deliveries made were on the basis of identifying hosted families while host families or locals were not facilitated. The identification of deserving people was done through two filters.

Filter 1 was a survey prepared by a team of organizers supporting hosted IDPs in their respective areas.

Filter 2 was put into action the day of deliveries through presentation of identity cards and a more detailed survey form. The details of the survey are being summarised and will be posted on the group page as soon as they're ready.

Area by Area Detail:

Khudu Khel: 200units of gas cylinders and attached stoves [Item 1] delivered to 200 IDP families.

Sudum Khairabad: 71 relief packs delivered to 71 IDP families. Inclusive of Items 1-6. The delivery of the Medicine Box [Item 7] was withheld on advice from our local contacts that people may take overdoses to cure themselves quicker and were left with the local contact to be stocked at a dispensary and given free of cost with dosage advice on a need based requirement.

Tahir Flour Mill: 29 relief packs delivered to 71 IDP families. Inclusive of Items 1-6. The delivery of the Medicine Box [Item 7] was withheld on advice from our local contacts that people may take overdoses to cure themselves quicker and were left with the local contact to be stocked at a dispensary and given free of cost with dosage advice on a need based requirement. 100 cans of Cerelac and 12 cartons of juices also delivered here.

Comprehensive List of IDP Camps (Updated Regularly)

Established Camps:
Katch Garhi Jalozai – I
Jalozai – II
Yar Hussain – Swabi
Shaikh Shehzad – Mardan
Jalala – Takhtbai/ Mardan

Established Off-camps Humanitarian Hubs:
Haji Camp,
Peshawar (Near General Bus stand, Peshawar)
Nowshera (Near Social Welfare office, Nowshera)
Charsadda (Mushtarika Flour Mills, Rajjar by-pass road, Charsadda)
Mardan – I (Duranabad, Baghdada Road, Mardan)
Mardan – II (Sange Marmar, Mardan-Swabi Road, Mardan)
Mardan – III (Katlang Road, Mardan)
Swabi – I (Khunda More, Near Motorway Interchange)
Swabi – II (Aurangabad, Swabi-Mardan road, Swabi)
Swabi – III (Naway Kalay, Near Haider CNG, Crl Gul Sher Khan Kalay, (Shaway Adda), Swabi Road,
Mardan
Malakand (Civil Secretariat, Batkhela, Malakand)
Bajaur (Political Agent (P.A.) Colony, Khar Bajaur
Kohat (Near Malik Fuel station, Bannu Road, Kohat)

Expected Off-camps Humanitarian Hubs:
Takhtbai (Hujra/election office Sher Afghan Khan, Mardan Road, Takhtbai)
Khairabad / Rustam (Govt. High School, Khairabad)
Mardan – IV (Hoti Flour Mills, Mardan)

Pakistan Rising: Youth take Charge!

Excerpt from Pakistan Rising:

'So Pakistan Rising is officially on the ground in NWFP.

This past weekend Pakistan Rising distributed relief packages to 300 families in 3 locations in Buner and Mardan adding up to approximately 2400 people. Additionally Pakistan Rising has started providing relief to a few displaced families currently residing in Lahore as well. A big thank you to everyone who's contributed to Pakistan Rising so far..

Please continue your generous support..also spread the word about Pakistan Rising..we need as many of you on board as possible.The situation in the Frontier is grim but things are slowly improving. The Pakistan Rising team visited a food distribution point jointly run by the CRDO (community research and development organisation) and WFP (world Food Program) in Charsadda. The distribution point was being operated very efficiently and in a highly organised way with a lot of emphasis being given to the comfort of the IDPs. Pakistan Rising also visited

Pelosa camp comprising 560 families in Charsadda being managed by the Army and the relevant Union Council in a school. All tents had fans and the camp has electricity and a standby generator. The army along with the local administration was looking after the affairs of that camp and things look to be on the right track there. The Army has also entered relief work in a big way. Their surveying teams are combing through all the union councils registering all IDPs living with host families or relatives.Finally a special word of appreciation for the locals of that area who have literally thrown open their homes to the IDPs..a lot of local families have moved out of their own homes so that the IDP's could live there while they themselves have moved into their animal sheds or out in the open.

Guys this is a battle all of us have to win! We have to treat our IDP brothers and sisters with the respect and honour they deserve. they have sacrificed for us so that we can live a Taliban free life and let's also not forget that it was the people from the NWFP who helped liberate the parts of Jammu and Kashmir now known as Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan Rising with your help has now begun the trek towards a better Pakistan..

Join us in fighting this battle for the soul and sovereignity of our country. Donate genorously your time inputs, ideas and money or in kind. Do ask others to do the same as well..do not hesitate to contact us if any info is required.

Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad!!'

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ROUTING FOR TRANSFER OF US DOLLARS

Routing No. 1:-HABIB AMERICAN BANK, 99 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA (SWIFT CODE: HANYUS33XXX) ABA NO.026007362 FOR THE CREDIT OF HABIB METROPOLITAN BANK LIMITED, KARACHI (SWIFT SODE: MPBLPKKAXXX) ACCOUNT NO. 2072-9532 FOR FINAL CREDIT TO THEIR LAHORE MAIN BRANCH (SWIFT CODE :MPBLPKKA002) ACCOUNT NO.20311-172061 IN THE NAME OF ZOHRA & ZZ AHMED FOUNDATION.

Routing No. 2:-CITI BANK N.A. 111 WALL STREET NEW YORK, USA (CITIUS33XXX) FOR THE CREDIT OF HABIB METROPOLITAN BANK LIMITED, KARACHI (SWIFT CODE: MPBLPKKAXXX) ACCOUNT NO. 36082351 FOR FINAL CREDIT TO THEIR LAHORE MAIN BRANCH (SWIFT CODE: MPBLPKKA002) ACCOUNT NO. 20311-172061 IN THE NAME OF ZOHRA & ZZ AHMED FOUNDATION.

Routing No. 3:-AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK NEW YORK, USA (AEIBUS33XXX) FOR THE CREDIT OF HABIB METROPOLITAN BANK LIMITED, KARACHI (SWIFT CODE: MPBLPKKAXXX) ACCOUNT NO.721829 FOR FINAL CREDIT TO THEIR LAHORE MAIN BRANCH (SWIFT CODE: MPBLPKKA002) ACCOUNT NO. 20311-172061 IN THE NAME OF ZOHRA & ZZ AHMED FOUNDATION.

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LOCAL DONATIONS

Title of account:

Zohra & Z.ZAhmed Foundation
Bank Account #: 20311-714-172061
Bank Name & Branch: Habib Metropolitan Bank, Egerton Road, Lahore

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LOCAL DONATIONS in KIND

Pakistan Rising Associated House,
7 Egerton Road, Lahore
042-6300247

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AID REQUIRED

1. Tents
2. Clothes of various sizes (lawn, cotton), Beddings, Shoes, Mosquito netting
3.Tissues, Soaps, Dettol (antibacterial cleaners), Towels, Sanitary wear
4. Rice, Sugar, Flour (Atta), Onions, Potatoes, Pulses, Beans, Canned food, Biscuits, Cooking oil, Tea, Milk (tetra packs or powder), Safe drinking water.
5.Crockery, Buckets - buying them locally will be better
6. Toys
7. MEDICINES (URGENT)* Water purification tablets. * Anti mosquito spray* Life saving drugs. * Vaccines for malaria, cholera, typhoid, influenza. * Pain killers including strong ones like morphine derivatives, tremadol, pethadine, kinz . * Antibiotics e.g. tetnus, amoxil, gentamycin. * IV cannulas * IV Drip sets * IV drips: normal saline, ringerlactate * Local anesthetics (injections) * Cotton bandages, cotton. * Surgical instruments: e.g needle holders, forceps, tweezers. * Suturing materials, Skin staples.


http://www.pakistanrising.com.pk/index_files/Page346.htm

Mobilink, IDP Support Update

On May 23, The Mobilink Security teams under the able leadership of Major Baqir reached out an additional 250 more families with food rations and relief items. This is the fourth round of distribution carried out personally by our Security team. The villages reached in the last two rounds included:

Ghari Dualat Zai
Ghari Ismail Zai
Kot Dualat Zai
Kot Ismail Zai
Chumrung
Mohib Banda
Shakar Tangi
Chechar
Pepal

In almost two weeks, your contributions have allowed Mobilink to reach out to a total of approx. 1,100 families. Let us keep the spirit of giving alive and push this number up as much as we can.
The needs and requirements of the IDPs are changing on a day to day basis, therefore please find below an updated list of essential items.

Summer clothing for women and children
Bedding (mattresses, chatais, bed sheets, pillows)
Water shortage items (water coolers, buckets, etc)
Kitchen utensils (pots, pans, plates, spoons, etc)
First aid medicine including ORS and diarrhoeal medicine
Mosquito repellants
Hygiene kits (towels, soap, miswak, comb, female hygiene items)

Kindly donate these items at our nationwide collection camps managed by our dedicated Security team located at the following addresses:

- Karachi NTO Building, near Nursery Stop, Shahrah e Faisal
- Lahore Mobilink House, 5 P Gulberg II Lahore
- Islamabad Mobilink House, 1-A Kohistan Road, F-8 Markaz
- Faisalabad Building # 1298/B, People Colony Near Saleemi Chowk Satyana Road
- Multan Mobilink House, 60 Bridge Lane, LMQ Road Near Kutchery Road
- Quetta Global Center Opposite Police Line Gulistan Road, Quetta.
- Sukkur Mobilink Office near Islamic Science College, Minara Road
- Peshawar Mobilink House, near Shiraz Gathering, University Road

You may also contact your regional Mobilink Foundation Torchbearers for donations in cash or kind:

North
Arshad Hamid 0301 8561769
Syed Jamal Pasha 0300 8155678

Central
Humayun Majeed Janjua 0300 8433797

South
Kamran Ahmed Ansari 0300 8281316

Mobilink users can also donate Rs 10 per SMS (taxes apply) by sending “Swat” to 616.

A Private Effort Worth Commending and Supporting

Highlights:
- Community kitchen up and running
- Number of IDPs being served two meals a day increased to 1200
- Five year boy found with the help of one of our volunteers
- Identified four more schools that house 600 IDPs who are notbeing served by anyone so far


Registration Process of the IDPs

Volunteers taking food to the schools

Volunteer Nasir fitting electric cooler in the school

Volunteer Afzaal with the missing boy

Lunch being prepared in the Community Kitchen

Our community kitchen for IDPs was set up on May 15, 2009 and the first meal prepared intime for lunch. An additional 400 IDPs came tothe area and were accommodated in the sameschools. The kitchen is now serving 1200 people in a total of eight schools at each meal.The meals are taken to the schools with thehelp of local volunteers and distributed in amanner so as to uphold the dignity of the IDPs and not hurt their pride.

At dinner time, however, an additional 500people were served as new IDPs arrived.These newly arrived IDPs were on the roadside with nowhere to go. They could not beaccommodated in the schools and weredirected on to the larger camps afterserving them dinner. The volunteer teamworked extra hard to prepare the additional meals, working till 3 in themorning.

A five year old boy disappeared the daybefore. He wandered out of the school’scompound and never returned. Themother of the child left her 9 other childrenand wandered around the streets to lookfor him but in vain. Volunteer Afzaal Bajwa contacted the local police and had announcements made in mosques of nearby neighborhoods. A family hadf ound the boy and taken him home.When they heard the announcements,they brought the child back.The electric water cooler has been greatly appreciated by the IDPs. If we are able to raise additional funds, it would really help the IDPs if we could install similar coolers in all schools. An additional four schools in a nearbyneighborhood have been identified byour volunteers, where there are 600IDPs from Swat. These men, womenand children are living unnoticed and un-served so far.

There are thousands of people who need similar support on immediate basis in Mardan.Their basic and most urgent needs are food, drinking water and appropriate shelter. Wewould like to extend our community kitchen services to the 600 people that we haveidentified today, with the hope that we will have enough friends helping us in making itpossible.

To contact for participation:

Call on: 92-343-5799910

Or email: farhan@earthfactor.net

Mobilink family reaches out to the IDPs!

This is the latest Mobilink Update: on the Relief efforts for Swat IDPs. I personally recommend it as highly reliable and effective. This effort is open to all Mobilink Employees, all Mobilink Customers and anyone anywhere who wants to contribute.

This effort is verified by the blog admin.

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Beginning on May 15, the Mobilink family led by the efforts of the Security teams has united to provide relief for over 500 destitute families. Our security teams have reached the furthest villages of Parmuli Village, Mir Ali Village, Ghulama and Sang Bhatti.in Swabi, bordering Buner. This is indeed an achievement that requires a special acknowledgement to the efforts of our brave security team members who have reached locations where at present there is no other NGO or government assistance.

The spirit of giving is very much alive at Mobilink. However, lot more needs to be done still. As the influx of IDPs increases with every passing day, Mobilink continues to play a vital role in providing aid and support to a large number of families. The number of Displaced People has reached 1.4 million recently displaced from the Swat region join a further 550,000 Pakistanis uprooted by fighting since last August, boosting the total number to 2.1 million making this a number more daunting than the affectees of the earthquake in 2005. We need to multiply our efforts if we are to make an impact in the lives of these Pakistanis.

Collection Summary to Date:

Through HR Fund for salary contributions (voluntary based on the employees' consent) - Rs. 2,000,000

Through Collection Points set up nationwide:

Central Region:
Cash: Approx. Rs. 400,000
40 cartons of food, 50 kg sugar, 5 x 20 kg wheat,

North Region:
Cash: Approx. Rs. 500,000

South Region:
Cash: Approx. Rs. 50,000

If you have not contributed yet or would like to help more, you can donate in any of the following ways:

· Through our nationwide collection camps managed by the Security team are located at the following addresses, these are open to any member of public who wants to contribute.

- Karachi NTO Building, near Nursery Stop, Shahrah e Faisal
- Lahore Mobilink House, 5 P Gulberg II Lahore
- Islamabad Mobilink House, 1-A Kohistan Road, F-8 Markaz
- Faisalabad Building # 1298/B, People Colony Near Saleemi Chowk Satyana Road
- Multan Mobilink House, 60 Bridge Lane, LMQ Road Near Kutchery Road
- Quetta Global Center Opposite Police Line Gulistan Road, Quetta.
- Sukkur Mobilink Office near Islamic Science College, Minara Road
- Peshawar Mobilink House, near Shiraz Gathering, University Road

· Through Mobilink Foundation Torchbearers

North
Arshad Hamid 0301-8561769
Syed Jamal Pasha 0300-8155678

Central
Humayun Majeed Janjua 0300-8433797

South
Kamran Ahmed Ansari 0300-8281316

· Through the Mobilink Salary Relief URL, (only for employees) which will remain active until the end of June 2009. Please commit as much as possible as these funds are being made available by HR and Finance for use immediately even though deductions will be processed at the end of the month to your salary account at the end of the month.

Lets once again look deep into our hearts and pockets and continue reaching out to those who require our help in reshaping their lives for the better. Remember, for those who have nothing, not even shoes on their feet, every rupee counts.

Wear it with PRIDE!!

Support your Troops, Support Swat Refugees

Time to Rid ourselves of the Militant Taliban Menace once and for all

ONE NATION - ONE MISSION.

Sahara for Life Trust - Swat Refugees Relief Efforts and Donations

Sahara for Life Trust has also made a call for Donations. Sahara for Life was started by the famous singer Abrar ul Haq and has a fully functional hospital, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex to it's credit. 

Sahara is looking at taking supplies to the relief camps as well as providing Medical support. Monetary Donations are welcome however, the usual Dry Food Supplies, Medical Supplies as well as basic need items such as pedestal fans etc can also be donated.

Please make your checks payable to:

Sahara for Life Trust

And mail them to:

50 Bridge Colony 

Lahore Cantt

Lahore

Pakistan

Details regarding the trust can be found on their website:

http://www.saharaforlife.org/aims.htm

Online donations can also be made at:

http://www.saharaforlife.org/online.htm

UM Healthcare Trust - Swat Refugees Relief Effort and Donations

UM Trust is also working in the Rustum area for medical relief.

BASIC INFO:

Type: Organisations - Non-Profit Organisations
Description: Affordable Healthcare for rural Pakistan

CONTACT DETAILS:
Email:
info@umtrust.org

Website:

http://www.umtrust.org/

Location:
Chargulli

Gujrat Road,

Village Zahidabad

Mardan,

Pakistan

You can find out more about it on our Facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=26634883482

Their hospital is located a few kilometers from refugee camps in rural Mardan, near Rustum and therefore, in an excellent position to extend healthcare services.

They urgently require medicines for these refugees, including but not limited to:

Pain Killers

Cough syrups

Bandages

Antibiotic (Oral Medicines and for External Use (e.g. Furecin powder))

Financial Donation information is available at:

http://www.umtrust.org/donate

Clinical items and OT Equipment

* Surgical Gloves 2 cartons Size 7 1/2

* Rampley's sponge holding forceps 2

* Mayo's towel clips 8

* Phlebotomist's simple torniquet 4

* *Brad Parker knife handle with detachable blades 4

* Mosquito artery forceps 4

* Curved artery forceps 4

* *Needle holders 4

* Langenbeck's retractor 2

* Plain forceps 4

* Tooth forceps 2

* *Tissue holding forceps 4

* *Fine pointed straight scissors 2

* Round pointed straight scissors 2

* Lane's tissue forceps 1

* Babcock's tissue forceps 1

* *Proctoscope 1

* *Volkmann's scoop 2

* Lister's sinus forceps 2

* *Cuscos' bivalved speculum 1

* Wrigley's outlet forceps 1

* Ventouse pump 1

* Aural speculums in different sizes. 1 of each size

* *Electrical Otoscope 4

* Tuning fork 256 Hz 1

* Tuning fork 512 Hz 1

* *Jobson's Aural probe 1

* *Head light for ENT 1

* Aural Syringe 1

* Thudichum's nasal speculum 1

* Laryngeal mirror 1

* *Ophthalmoscope 2

* Emergency Equipment

* Ambulance 1

* Refrigerators (small size with freezer) 2

* Defibrillator 1

* Ultrasound machine 1

* *Portable X-Ray machine 1

* *Autoclave small size 1

* Mini-Trach II Cricothyrotomy kit 4

* *Ambu Bag 1

* *Oxygen cylinder 2

* *Face mask 1

* Paediatric face mask 1

* *Endotracheal tubes different sizes 2 of each size

* *Laryngoscope 1

* *Guedel's oropharyngeal airway different sizes 5 of each size

* *Gypsona Plaster of Paris bandages 30

* *Central venous cannula lines 10

* Intravenous cannula 14 G 10

* *Intravenous cannula 16 G 30

* *Catgut Sutures 2/0, 5/0 10 of each diameter

* *Prolene 2/0, 5/0, 6/0 10 of each diameter

* Vicryl sutures 2/0, 3/0 10 of each diameter

* Steristrips 100* Foleys catheters 14 G 10

* Silicone catheter 14 G 5

* Naso gastric tube 5

* Staff of volunteers

* Doctors

* Female Nurses 2

* Computer data entry technician at registration counter 1

Payaam-e-Umeed: Swat Refugees (IDPs) Relief Effort and Donations

Payaam Foundation’s mission is to rebuild, recontruct and regenerate a new spirit of faith, unity and discipline in our great nation by serving the under-previliged and deprived. The present state of affairs in Swat, Bajour, Karam and Mouhmand are very desponent due to an unfortunate battle. As a result, the number of refugees continue to flow into Relief Camps, Masaajids, Schools and unfasten grounds where the basic humanitarian needs are non-existant. This migration is the largest ever since the independence of Pakistan.

To help our brothers and sisters in need Payaam Foundation has launched ‘Payaam-e-Umeed’ which would provide a unique way to provide relief to Bajaur/Swat refugee families, through direct financial support or relief goods that helps families sustain themselves and meet their minimum survival needs.

Payaam Foundation urges all people of conscience to stand in solidarity with Bajaur and Swat refugees. We specially urge all Muslims to allocate this year’s Zakat al-Fitr and/or Zakat to helping provide refugees in Risalpur with financial assistance by adopting one or more refugee families. Only through your generous assistance will these innocent children and their families enjoy a happy Eid (Feast)!

You can make a profound difference by donating money or following relief goods to the affected people and save thousands of precious lives.

1. Shelter (Tents and plastic sheets, Mattresses, Quilts)

2. Clothings

3. Food Items (Pre-cooked tinned food (Halal), High Energy Biscuits, Survival Rations)

4. Medicines (Antibiotics, Fractured Related Kits, First Aid Kits, Surgical instruments, Water Purification tablets, Dettol, Cotton Rolls)

Who is he who will lend Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times and it is Allah who decreases or increases (your provisions), and to Him you shall return. (Surah Baqarah – Ayat 245) Al-Quran.

Join and support Payaam-e-Umeed Project today! If you are involved in an organization that would like to host a fundraiser for Payaam-e-Umeed project to support Bajaur/Swat refugees, please contact us.

Together, we can and we will uphold the dignity and rights of the Bajaur/Swat refugees Insha’ALLAH. Please contact the Bajaur/Swat Refugee Support Network – Payaam-e-Umeed Project at

Payaam Foundation,

Block 26, Flat # 2, PHA Flats, G-7/1, Islamabad. Pakistan.

92-333-5271768

92-51-2539179

payaam.team@gmail.com

Kindly send your contributions to the following Payaam Foundation’s bank account:
Account Title : Payaam

Account No : 1-4-1-20311-714-104571

Bank Name : Arif Habib Bank Ltd.

Bank Branch : Plot No. 6B, F-6, Super Market, Islamabad Pakistan

*Disclaimer: This is a part of the relief efforts compilation and has not been personally verified by the blog team.

EDHI FOUNDATION - Swat Refugees (IDPs) Relief Effort and Donations

EDHI FOUNDATION
Muslim Commercial Bank, Aabpara branch, Aabpara, Islamabad. Account No: 5626-2

USA

Edhi Center USA Edhi international Foundation.
42-07 National streetCorona, New York, 11368 USA
Tel: (718) 639-5120

Fax: (718) 335-1978
Toll Free: 1-888-899-EDHI (3344)

UNITED KINGDOM
Edhi International Foundation.
316 Edgware Road,
London W2 1DY,
United Kingdom
Tel: 0442077232050

Fax: 0442072249774

CANADA
Canada Edhi Charitable Foundation, Inc.
257 Risebrough Circle.
Markham, ON- L3R 3J3

JAPAN

Japan Edhi International Foundation,
RM 101 COPO Nikkei, 1-25 4-Chome,
Minami-ohi Shinagawa -KU-Tokyo 140 Japan.

AUSTRALIA
Australia Abdul Sattar Edhi International Foundation.
Level 20, Picadly tower,133, Castle Reagh Street, Sydney 2000,
Austrailia.

Tel: 02-2646499, 03-3767-7282
Fax: 03-3764-4395, 02-264-7337

BANGLADESH
Bangladesh Edhi International Foundation Inc,
2/2 Purana palton, 3 rd Floor,
Dhaka - 1000, Bangladesh

Disclaimer: This information has been collected from the internet and has not been verified by the blog team personally

THE PAKISTAN RED CRESENT SOCIETY - Swat Refugees (IDPs) Relief Effort and Donations

PRCS started supporting IDP’s in District Dir, Nowshera (now closed), Risalpur, Mardan and Swat. The detail of camps established or being supported by PRCS is covered in subsequent paras. The assistance is being provided by PRCS in the fields of provision of Food, Non-Food Items, Health, Hygiene and Watsan.

To accommodate these people PRCS has established IDP’S Camp at two locations.

1. Dir
a. Government Degree College, Timer Gara
b. Khunji Camp

2. Benazir Camp Risal Pur

While in Mardan and Swat PRCS has not provided shelter but only relief and Medical assistance is being provided in the Government established camps.

Summary of beneficiaries, in each camp, being assisted by PRCS is given as under:

1. DIR CAMP
So far 1,403 families (378 in Timer Ghara camp & 1,025 in Khunji camp) have been accommodated in two camps one located in Government Degree College Timer Gara and other in Khunji camp. To accommodate these people 750 tents (350 in Timer Ghara camp & 400 in Khungi camp) have been erected, one in the compound of Govt. Degree College Timer Ghara and other in Khungi Village.

A medical team, comprising 3 doctors (1 Female) and paramedical staff having necessary medicines have been deployed to provide medical assistance on daily basis in both camps. So for 6,439 patients have been treated. It has been seen that common diseases are diarrhea, RTI and skin diseases.

In addition PRCS NWFP Branch from its own stock has distributed Blankets x 7200 for 1440 families (five per family), Tarpaulin sheets x 1500 for 1500 families (one per family to cover the tents against inclement weather) and wood burning stoves x 1,428(400 for Government Degree College Timer Gara and 1,028 for Khunji camp).

2. BENAZIR CAMP RISALPUR:
399 families have been accommodated in this camp. To accommodate these people 407 tents have also been erected, by PRCS, in the camp. 368 Non food items (NFI) packages have been provided to resident families. Quilts x 432 have been distributed. These were provided by PRCS NWFP Branch. In addition wood burning stove x 400 have been distributed from PRCS NWFP Branch.

A medical team, comprising 2 doctors (1 x Female) and paramedical staff with necessary medicines has been located at the camp and they treat patient on daily basis. So for 2,593 patients have been treated and given appropriate medicines. The common diseases are Diarrhea, RTI and skin disease.

3. MARDAN CAMP:
PRCS Relief Team has distributed 1210 Food and 1946 Non food items (NFI) packages amongst IDP’s. One PRCS medical team is providing medical assistance. So for 6,815 Patients have been treated.

4. SWAT CAMP:
Despite uncertain law and order situation in the district. ICRC/PRCS. Teams have been able to distribute 1,825 food packages amongst the IDP’S families at Haji Baba School, Banur High School and Government High School, Bun Mangora. Previously 4200 individuals were provided with food and non food items.

So far 126,067 beneficiaries have been assisted by the relief and medical support provided by PRCS. The approximate worth of the assistance provided so far is PKR.98.60 million.

YOUR FUNDS WILL HELP FURTHER THESE EFFORTSTo make a donation or volunteer your time, call your provincial branch. I urge you to visit:

http://www.prcs.org.pk/financial_donor.asp

*Source: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Webpage

Directory: Swat Refugees (IDPs) Relief Effort and Donations

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO HELP, WE'VE COMPILED A SMALL LIST OF VARIOUS INITIATIVES THAT YOU CAN HELP WITH:

ORGANIZATIONAL EFFORTS

THOUSANDS IN PAKISTAN NEED YOUR HELP TODAY:
UNHCR (United Nationas Refugee Agency) has started an online RELIABLE drive to collect funds.

The link is: http://www.unhcr.org/emergency/pakistan/global_landing.html
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home

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Regional Institute of Policy Research and Training (RIPORT) a registered, non profit organization with its headquarters at 10-C, Railway Road, University Town, Peshawar, NWFP is also providing relief to the IDP camps. They will be going in with a scheme called, “Lightening the Darkness,” where we are hoping to provide electricity to IDPs. The summer is coming and the heat and mosquitoes will make the life of the IDPs more miserable. They are also examining the relatively easier project of providing medicine to camps. Their initial survey shows large gaps in medicine supply. Of course they will need funds. The effort now is based on volunteerism; we are building up fast.” If you would like to volunteer/donate funds to these relief efforts, Please Call: +92(91) 9211-8411

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Islamic Relief USA, who provided a lot of earthquake relief and is now currently providing medicine and other essentials to IDPs in and around Peshawar. For people in the United States who would like to help:http://www.islamic-relief.com/Donations/https://www.irw.org/donate_now/

Separate details are Available in other posts for: Payaam, Edhi Foundation and The Red Crescent Society of Pakistan.
___________________________________________________

PRIVATE EFFORTS

Ms. Fauzia Minallah and Ms. Ghazalah Minallah, wife and sister of prominent lawyer Mr. Ather Minallah are collecting donations of flour, sugar, rice tea, dry milk, daal, ghee, salt biscuits for the IDPs in Islamabad. To donate supplies or to volunteer help with the distribution, call:
Ms. Fauzia (0306 504 9852 )
Ms. Ghazalah (0300 527 0330).

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Ms. Fatima Imran (03218568197) is also collecting donations. She is directly in touch with people from Swat coordinating relief camp efforts.

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Please contact ASAP, Brig Jaffer is responsible for mobilizing camps in Islamabad and Rawalpindi so please contact him for more information. Having spoken to a gentleman on the contact number he has requested that household and kitchen supplies be provided in addition to dry food supplies so families can start running their kitchens. Call 051 2243111 or 0300 5004678 for donations

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Hundreds of families are pouring into Islamabad/Rawalpindi from Buner, Swat etc and are desperate for assistance. We must as a nation take responsibilty and help. Kindly donate ata, sugar, rice, tea, dry milk, daal, ghee, salt, biscuits etc. Money donations are welcome too. They are shelterless, traumatised and hungry. They need help NOW. For donations call:Jamil Abassi: 0321 8547072Iqbal Bali: 0323 534 3262mailto:3262maham.ali.05@gmail.com

*Disclaimer: This information has been collected as a result of voluntary information submission by members of the group 'The Citizen's Trust for Victims of Terror' and has not been verified by the Group or Blog Admin.