Activities Report of member Organizations of CRM Peshawar for the affected people of monsoon flood

Activities Report of member Organizations of CRM Peshawar for the affected people of monsoon flood

Citizen Rights and Sustainable Development(CRSD) and Society for Rights and Development(Joint)

An appeal to national and international organizations, Pakhtun Diaspora , national and international community and philanthropists for the victims of flood on very first day was made which was positively responded and CRSD started its work to assist the people affected by flood. It established its first camp in Tarkha village district Nowshera where the affected families of the nearby Union Councils started pouring in and took a sigh of relief in Tarkha camp which fortunately remained safe from flood water.
Some of the main points and salient features of the Press conference are here

For the last 4-days there has been raining in almost all parts and districts/Agencies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA which caused a lot of destruction and devastated many houses especially huts and mud built houses. The flood caused due to heavy downpour and gushed into the settlements especially in rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which has demolished almost all houses and million of the inmates are stranded in water. Those who have remained stranded in their demolished houses are in miserable conditions and are having no option except to weep or pray to God to help them all. There are many instances where the family members have been divided into two parts. The parents particularly fathers have remained in the safer areas while their children who remain homes at time of the rain got stranded and are still in same condition. Those children have been weeping for the last three days and nights but there is non to come to their rescue and get them rid of this miserable condition and to take them to some safer areas and provide them with food and safe potable waters. The stranded people especially women and children are having nothing to eat as the little or small stock they had has already either finished or drained by the flood water. There are sick and old people also who are still in trouble stranded there in their houses with no medicines and other edible. This situation is not related with one or two particular area. The entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been facing with same situations and people are in great trouble. They need to be evacuated first and then other facilities and needs be provided on emergency steps. The TV Channels and other humanitarian institutions have been calling the government to come to the rescue but the situations are so worst and are out of the control that only the government will not be able to handle it alone. The governments are not capable in even shiny days to help the people how can it would be able to come in help the citizens in rainy days?
The people need food, clean drinking water, clothes, tents, edibles, Medicines, and above all their evacuation is foremost needed and for this purpose small boats are required on emergency bases to bring the stranded people out of their places to comparatively safer places and spots.

Latter on an other press conference was held in Peshawar press club to highlight the issues and plights of the flood victims and school students who were rendered without schools. This was jointly held with Network for Humanitarian Assistance (NHA).



The main points are given below.
The monsoon flood has badly devastated the entire Pakistan in general and the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA in particular. These remarks were made by Arshad Haroon, regional Head of SPO and member of Network for Humanitarian Assistance NHA who was accompanied by Rukhsinda Naz (WAF), Idrees Kamal (CRSD), Zar Ali Khan (TNC), Uzma (NET), Shagufta Malik (WORD), and Samina (NET). The recent catastrophe has taken the province about 50 years back. The infrastructure of the province has been badly damaged. The role of civil society in this time of the trouble is laudable. As for as the central government is concerned, it showed lukewarm response and it discouraged the people to the extent that now they have no trust in the central government. The international community had pledged to help the Pakistan but now its practical approach showed that it is also not serious and lack resources. What ever the reason is but the ultimate victims are the innocent and poor masses. The Children are the future of a nation and according to recent UN Report more than 3.5 million children are prone to the death. The affected people have migrated to comparatively safer places and they have taken shelter in government schools and other buildings etc. Now the summer vacations have come to an end and the children will start going to the schools. But now there is no alternative program for the accommodation of the flood affectees. The affected children whose schools are demolished will definitely feel deprived as their schools, bags, books and other school equipments have been washed away by the flood. Now the NHA demands for providing of the books, pencils, bags and other school related things to the children and alternative schools be constructed for these children on emergency basis but these schools should be built at places in vicinity of the places where the flood affected people are residing. Flood affected peoples should not be shifted far flung camps and they should be provided camps near their homes, that these should construct their homes too. No proper coordination on the part of Govt. is aggravating the situation. Proper mechanism should be adopted that humanitarian assistance reached the affectees. Children and women are more vulnerable proper arrangements should be made to help these deserving communities.

CRSD with the help of some other organization and Philanthropists has been providing services and Foods to Flood affectees of Banda Sheikh Ismial, Banda Mala Han, Kurvi, Mohib Banda, Aman Kot and Tarkha where more than 4000 flood affectees are living in Tarkha camp. CRSD has been providing cooked food to 1400 affected people while uncooked food to 1200 families since July 29, 2010. 40 volunteers are working day and night to help the monsoon flood affectees. The activities of CRSD are supported by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), Noor Education Trust, , CERD (Medical camp) Women Action forum (2 Time foods for one day, 5 days breakfast, Sweets and Biscuits for 500 Children through Rukhsinda Naz,) one time food from SPARC, Aurat Foundation (50 Kit for women) 1200 (Family pack 105 Kilo Wheat flour and 1 Cotton Biscuits and dry milk were provided by World food program managed by CRSD. Recently the camp is being financially supported by the Khattak Qaumi Jirga headed by Jehanzeb Khattak. It has been generously providing the food to the inmates of the camp at Tarkha, district Nowshera.
CRSD which is a member organization of Citizen Rights Movement (CRM), Peshawar is engaged helping flood affected people of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA alike and is committed to expand its sphere of assistance to other affected areas also.
Chand Welfare Organization


The Chand Welfare Organization established its camp at Village Gul abad where it provided food items including Rice, Sugar, Ghee, Tea, Milk and Biscuits,total 40 male and 40 female were provided food for several days. A medical camp was also setup where women and men were checked up by a medical specialist Doctor. The Organization is committed to provide food and Eid package to effected people.

(HEISAR) Organization


Food items were provided to the affected people at Union Councils Aziz Khel, Sepa, Sherpao, and Nistata at district charsadda. 150 families were supported by providing food items and NFIs on self help basis. Food items were included ghee, spices, and pulses. Medicines, cloths and cooked food were provided in U/C 3 charsadda. 5 missing children were re- united with parents.4 pregnant women were treated and they are still with organization
Human Resource Development Organization


NFIs were provided in rural areas of Risalpure district Nowshera. NFIs were included in utensils, Cloths, kitchen items. Total 380 families were supported in which there were 180 female and 200 male. The food items were comprised of Biscuits, four packets of milk, water, and other items were distributed to compensate the affected people. The organization has also disbursed 5lac rupees in cash to the affected families. The donors are community and an influential person namely Rustam Khan of Hazro Attock. Eid package is ready to be distributed.

RCRO

RCRO arranged a medical camp in Agra district charsadda in which 800 women were treated.1200 packets of milk juices and water were distributed in affected people.

Human Development Organization

Human Development Organization distributed food items and Non food items in various parts of district Peshawar which were affected by Mon soon flood the main donors are community and SPO Peshawar.

Humdard Welfare Association Peshawar (HWA)

HWA is engaged assisting people since July 29, 2010 and provided emergency relief to the affected people. Many people who were stranded in flood water were evacuated to safer places like Schools, Hujras , BHUs and Markets. The organization provided food items at emergency basis on self help basis and community. HWA distributed food items in 120 families in village Billa Peshawar with the support of philanthropists of District Peshawar .and arranged awareness programme about hygiene. The organization is members of (CRM) Citizen Rights Movement Peshawar.

Regards,
Zar ali khan musazai(Afridi)
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
Executive Director
Society for Rights and Development
Peshawar/FATA

World Peace day Commemorated

Proceeding of Seminar regarding world peace day commenced with recitation of the Holy Quran by Fareed Khan while Ghani Rehman Afridi took responsibility to run the stage. Khan Sahib Convener Citizen Rights Movement (CRM) was the first among the participants who spoke on the occasion, welcoming the participants and briefed them about the objectives of CRM and he also talked about the importance of the peace day. He said that CRM comprised of 9 Organizations of Peshawar which are supported by the SPO generously. SPO has been working hard to build the capacity of these organizations for the last one and half year. CRM is engaged holding seminars, walks, dialogue, workshops and conferences on almost all important topics and subjects which could be proved helpful to people and society in their development and awareness. Today CRM is holding this seminar to remember the international day of peace and work towards establishment of peace in our region and entire world. This day reminds us peace and tells us to hate wars and fighting because wars bring contempt and hardships for the people of our world. We want to a see a world of peace and strive to make it as a cradle of peace, love and fraternity. We want our organizations to get united and to work for the promotion of peace in region.

Idrees Kamal, convener Amn Tehrik also spoke on the occasion saying that this day is being observed on international level all over the world. The international day of peace happens every year on 21st September and it is dedicated to peace. Many nations of the world observe this day with enthusiasm and fervor. Before inauguration of this day a special type of the bell is rung at United Nations Headquarters and the said bell is cast from coins donated by the children from all continents. The inscription on it reads as, long live absolute world peace.
The UN General Assembly declared in a resolution sponsored by the United Kingdom and Costa Rica, the third Tuesday of September as the international day of peace devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace. Pakistan is 5th in number of the countries regarding political instability. Norway is the only country of the world where there is no instability and peace is all around. Its people are prosperous and peaceful. Amn Tehrik(Peace Movement) was launched April 24, 2009 in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in which about 35 big and small organizations participated and declared its formation. Those days were very hard and there was fear all around. IDPs were coming to Peshawar and other comparatively safer districts of Pakhtunkhwa Province. First IDPs conference was held in Peshawar in which IDPs of Swat emptied their hearts. Latter on a demonstration was also held in which people demanded for peace and against terrorism. By the time the atmosphere of the region was very tense but the said demos inculcated a new spirit of life and hope in people and they started their voice for the peace. Idrees Kamal also demanded of Arab and Punjabis militants and terrorists to go back their homes and leave Pakhtun people to settle their own house. Arab and Punjabis terrorists have destroyed the peace in region. We are concerned about the frequent abduction of our doctors, engineers, professors, Journalists and other professionals by the terrorists who terrorize our people by kidnapping people from the almost all parts of Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. We should not keep mum as this silence will take us to annihilation. Pakistan should formulate such policies which are not harmful to its people and neighbors alike because the wrong doings and faulty policies will destroy us and our next generation.
Said Mukhtar Bacha, the chief gusest who is also the provincial president of National Party and an active member of Amn Tehrik said to the participants that he was pleased to see people like those present on that occasion for the commemoration of such great days. Peace is an important thing which I think each and every living being needs. We formed a movement to promote the peace in Peshawar which is named as Amn Tehrik (Peace Movement). This movement has a lot to its credit for the peace. It issued a declaration called Declaration of Peshawar which is a unique document and if some one wants to work for the promotion of peace he should read it. It was said that Norway has peace but I would like to say that its peace is due to its economic development. Norway is about 240 times more developed country than Pakistan. If people and countries are economically prosperous then its people are peaceful and happy. But alas! Our country Pakistan has been spending on the defense. We have to slash the defense expenditures. Human being needs peace. One who is moving on two feet and work against peace then he or she will not be called as human and they will be known as animals. There have been about 63 years of creation of Pakistan and our 80% budget is spent on defense. How can we keep mum over this injustice? If we do not raise our concern over it then we will be annihilated. Some people say that Talib is fighting in Afghanistan against America. How is it possible for a poor Talib to fight against a super power? This is also not possible for a Talib to use such sophisticated weapons and bear its burden. Today our province is more dangerous than Afghanistan. The people are psychologically ill and get very easily angry. We are human being and we need to work for the promotion of the peace in our region as well as world.

Iqbal a social activist also spoke on the occasion and talked about the importance of peace and world peace day.
Zaibunnisa Program Officer Advocacy SPO thanked the participants and CRM for organizing such gathering which commemorated the international Day of Peace. She asked the people to play their role for the promotion of the peace in region and world. She also eulogized the importance of the peace day and said that such days are needed to be observed with enthusiasm and fervor. She said that SPO has been doing its services for the people who are engaged doing betterment for the people and community. Peace is pre requisite for us all as without peace life becomes redundant and many precious people and beings spoil and perish. Wars are unable to resolve the issues. Only peace is the instrument which has the capability to solve our problems and for this purpose we all need to get hands and raise a voice in unison to promote peace all around.
Besides other Zar ali khan musazai(Afridi) Chairman Tribal NGOs Consortium, Manzoor Afridi General Secretary TNC , Ameer Khan General Secretary Pakhtun Democratic Council, Tahira Shaheen General Secretary CRM, Anwar Khan Advocate, Tariq Khan, Sajjad Khalil, Zeenat, Robina Massy, Shagufta Esa Khan, Asif Khan and a large number of people representing civil and political societies and organizations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA.

Reported by
Zar ali khan musazai(Afridi)
Executive Director
Society for Rights and Development
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
tncfata@gmail.com

Report of Amn Tehrik(Peace Movement) steering committee meeting

During the meeting the participants from various areas of militants concerned over the passive and deregulatory attitudes of Security forces with the residents as they were interfering in their affairs while they also humiliating the people when they hesitate. The participants implored the Federal and provincial government to withdraw the Military forces from those areas and handed the power to the civil government as there was no any further red signals of Taliban intimidation.


Malakand Situations: There are reports that military officials are involved in promoting terrorism in Buner and Brigadier In charge is alleged to be supporting the terrorists, misbehaving with the local leaders and people. A particular religious cum political party is friendly with terrorists and some military officials are having pleasant relation with religious party in question. People affiliated with said Party and its workers are present on check posts with military in Buner. It seems that people of Buner are not less than people of Swat in terms of slavery of Pakistan Mulla and military alliance against Pakhtun. In Malakand division military is being defamed and people keep a distance with them for their people unfriendly attitude.

In Dir Malik Zarin a known pro terrorist person and military colonel are having friendly relation and a harmony is witnessed between them. Malik Zarin has been a famous Afghan war lord who has a strong linking with a pro terrorist religious organization and fought in Afghanistan during 80s. This man has occupied the lands of the people in dir and is still very much active to promote terrorism in area. People of Jandol held Jirgas several times against the atrocities but to no effect. In Malakand division the political parties are weak while religious parties, organizations and Jehadi out fits are active and getting strength with each passing day. Terrorist has kidnapped several people of Amn lashkar in Kohistan, District Dir/ Chitarl. In this regard Sultankhel and Paindakhel Quami Jirga have approached held several Jirgas but bore no fruit because the pro terrorist man is very powerful who is strongly supported by the military and a pro militant religious organization in area. In mid nights aerial firings are heard which further frighten the residents and disturb the sleeps of the people especially women and children. In Balambat, the situations are deteriorated and terrorism is tried to be promoted.

In Swat there are reports that civilians are not allowed to work for the welfare of people and development of the area. In Swat skirmishes often occur between police force and military personnel.

Similarly in Peshawar, the situations are getting worse and people are worried about their future particularly of their children.
District Peshawar is surrounded by FATA where so called fake operations by military against militants are being carried out by the military. The terrorists often come to Peshawar and its suburbs where they terrorize people and in few days several schools were also blown up and others were warned to be exploded. Law and order situations are getting worse and many people were kidnapped and are being abducted with each passing day. There are reports that wealthy and well off people are migrating from Peshawar to comparatively safer areas of the country.

FATA is the burning issue regarding terrorism where terrorists have taken shelter and from where the terrorist activities are being carried out. The government tried to form a lashkar in Mehsud tribe but the people rejected it saying it is unacceptable to them as it means that lashkar people could be easily targeted by terrorists and the government gives no protection to the people in lashkar. It is evident that people have no trust in what the government is saying to them. In N. Waziristan there are 20000 Arab terrorists and 25000 Punjabi terrorists.

In FATA and other Pakhtun areas, the genocide of Pakhtun will be increasing in future. Training camps are also increasing in number in Punjab. Punjabi Taliban are upper hand in FATA. PML is equally or to say more dangerous than MMA and other religious parties in term of promotion of terrorism.

The out comes of the coalition between ISI, Military and militants will bear dangerous and lethal fruit for Pashtuns. The collective political situations of almost all FATA agencies are same and have no difference at all. An interview of Gulbadin Hikmatyar on a Pakistani private TV Channel are alarming and is believed to add fuel to already volatile situations in area.

The game is not over yet. It is a proxy war. But the battle field is the Pashtun land unfortunately. There are reports that local Taliban are deserting terrorism but due to some compulsions now they are unable to do so. Local recruitment has stopped to some extent as now people have realized gravity of situations but as was already said there are compulsions which take them to the camps. The Afghanistan issue has entered into decisive phase due to which the fighting will be getting further momentum while situations in FATA and Peshawar will get worst and peace is not seen in near future.

AF-Pak policy is being reviewed in December next which will help us to understand situations in more clarity. In Punjab NATO convoys are frequently attacked which shows that terrorism has been diverted to Punjab also.
Expressing grave concern over flood havocs in parts and parcels of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and adjacent tribal region, the Steering Committee of Amn Tehrik has urged the federal government to distribute the foreign aids and grants in according to needs and damages amongst the provinces. The meeting has also asked the high ups of the armed forces to let the civil administration for running affairs of violence and terrorism affected areas.


It was also demanded that the packages of Kerry Lugar bill should be spent on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as it was for the militant’s heated areas and there was no ambiguity that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has shattered mostly by the militant’s nasty and nefarious activities. They demanded from the Federal and provincial government to take steps for the reconstruction in Malakand and FATA. It means that Kerry-Lugar bill was for militancy related destruction and not for the flood related destruction. More than its 90% share should be given to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. If the fund in Kerry Lugar bill was not used in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA then the result of the war against terror will be negative and Pashtun will be further disgusted and disappointments and deprivations will work which will go in benefit of terrorists. A new fund which is generated for the flood affected areas should be distributed among the provinces on the basis of its damages but as for as the Kerry Lugar is concerned it’s 90 % be spent on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. The parliamentary election recently held in Afghanistanwas termed as welcoming and it was hoped that the election will further strengthen the democracy in Afghanistan which will pave the way for the peace and development in Afghanistan and region. The killing of Misri khan, President Hangu Press Club was strongly condemned. It was also demanded that regular meetings of Amn Tehrik should be held. Amn Tehrik should go to districts and people also who need the political awareness. Contacts between democratic and peace loving forces of the country is the need of the hour. The participants also condemn the abduction of Ajmal Khan vice Chancellery Islamia College University Peshawar and demanded for his release.

The role of some media channels and print media are condemnable. They are not publishing AMN TEHRIK statements and even not giving enough space to the real issues and suffering of Pakhtuns peoples.

The participants of Amn Tehrik added that conspiracies hatching for tackling the elected government would plunge the country in new political dilemma and anarchy and there would be no ambiguity that it would increased the tribulation and suffering of people as militancy and flood have dejected them in bad manner.

They said that targets killing of Pukhtun in Karachi in the other parts of the country, target killing of political workers, Journalist, Peace Committees members should stop immediately as some improvised elements have desire to irritate Pukhtun and efface them.
They maintained that Amn Tehrik would extend its peace loving agenda to the other parts of country and would stimulate people toward peace establishment in country.

Reported by
Zar ali khan musazai(Afridi)
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
Peshawar/FATA

Political Administration fined students for staging a protest against arrest of their fellow student by Political Agent

It was January 7, 2010 when, in Jamrud, Khyber Agency FATA the students of various education institutions came to the streets and road after hearing that the political Administration had arrested one of their students in a so called search operation. The student was sent to jail. The students demanded of the Political Administration to release their fellow student as he was an innocent person and was never involved in subversive activities. The political Administration registered a case against 20 students leaders and fined them 50000(Pakistani Rupees) each for staging a protest against the Administration and in favor of their fellow student. Latter on 7 out of 20 students were exonerated of the fine but the rest of were ordered to deposit the fine immediately for they had violated political Administration law where there is no such permission for any body to protest on any thing happens to them. They will have to keep mum and tolerate every type of the brutality and barbarism of the Political Administration. This is called the black law of FCR which is imposed on FATA and this law does not permit any body to stage a demo, issue press release or at least to protest for some one who is incarcerated in jail for the crime he/she does not know. The political Administration convened a Jirga of the tribal Mashran and directed them to accept the bail of the students who had protested. Mashran accepted the demand of Political Agent/Assistant Political Agent at Jamrud Tehsil. There have been almost 7 months that the Mashran demand of the students to deposit the fine otherwise they will go to the jail.

In FATA where there is militancy all around. Most of the schools are closed and students suffered heavily. The economy is deteriorated. The education ratio is at lowest ebb but still the political Administration has been putting fine on the students which further alienate the students to continue study.
Tribal NGOs Consortium demands of the Political Administration to issue the order to remit the fine on students so that they could continue their study because students are always out of pockets and such financial hardships will further aggravate their problems and will create hurdles in their way to keep their study continued.

Regards
Zar Ali Khan Musazai(Afridi)
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
Peshawar/FATA
tncfata@gmail.com
+92-3015963337

The following commodities are needed to help the flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA

Subject: The following commodities are needed to help the flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA

If you are willing to contribute, or know somebody who can help, please contact the following:

Besides sending cash through below mentioned Civil Society organizations, you can support by providing following commodities.
* Clothing: Clothes of various sizes, Beddings, Shoes
* Utensils: Jerricans (large plastic cans that hold 20 liters of water or other liquids), Crockery, Buckets
* Toiletries: Tissues, Soaps, Dettol (antibacterial cleaners), Towels
* Food: Rice, Sugar, Flour (Atta), Onions, Potatoes, Cooking oil, Tea, Milk (tetra packs or powder), Safe drinking water, Cooked Food

Medicines:

1. Water purification tablets.
2. Life saving drugs.
3. Vaccines for malaria, cholera, typhoid, influenza.
4. Pain killers including strong ones like morphine derivatives, tremadol, pethadine, kinz .
5. Antibiotics e.g. tetnus, amoxil, gentamycin.
6. IV cannulas
7. IV Drip sets
8. IV drips: normal saline, ringerlactate
9. Local anesthetics (injections)
10. Cotton bandages, cotton.
11. Surgical instruments: e.g needle holders, forceps, tweezers.
12. Suturing materials, Skin staples.



Regards

Zar ali khan
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
&
Executive Director
Society for the Rights and Development
Peshawar/FATA
+92-3159195919
+92-5253154

(Those who want to help the needy people should deposit their alms, funds etc. in the Bank Account titled: society for Rights and Development, 0959-79001513-03, Habib Bank Ltd. Peshawar Super Market, Peshawar Cantt, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Branch code: 0959)

2. Citizen Rights and sustainable Development

Humanitarian Assistance, Urgent help needed

Humanitarian Assistance, Urgent help needed.

PESHAWAR, July 31: Various civil society organisations under the banner of the Network for Humanitarian Assistance have appealed to the donor agencies, federal government, political parties and philanthropists to immediately provide relief to the rains and flood-affected people.
Speaking at a joint press conference at Peshawar Press Club here on Saturday, representatives of the NGOs led by Ijaz Durrani, Idress Kamal and Zar Ali Khan said that large number of people across the province needed food, medicines and shelter on emergency basis.

It was not possible for the provincial government to meet the requirements of these people, they said, adding that it was obligation of the federal government, overseas Pakistanis, United Nations, foreign missions, international community, NGOs and well-off people to help them.

They feared that if the needy people were not supported promptly, there was a likelihood of the loss of human lives on large-scale. Immediate work, they said, was to rescue the people stranded at different buildings and provide them with food items.

Referring to the official figure of the death toll (450), they said the actual number might be much higher as, according to them, there was no access of government to the flood-hit areas and telephone network was also not functioning to get exact information.

The NGOs representatives pointed out human losses, destruction of government installations, infrastructure and livestock in Malakand, Dir, Swat, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Fata, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Mansehara, Haripur and other areas.

Presently, they said, helicopters could prove useful for the transportation of relief goods, including food, to the stranded people as vehicles could not move in the floodwater and mud.

They said arrangements for the affected people were deficient and most of them were living under open sky, and could mot move as floods had swept away the link roads and bridges.
Regards

Zar ali khan
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
&
Executive Director
Society for the Rights and Development
Peshawar/FATA
+92-3159195919

(Those who want to help the needy people should deposit their alms, funds etc. in the Bank Account titled: society for Rights and Development, 0959-79001513-03, Habib Bank Ltd. Peshawar Super Market, Peshawar Cantt, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Branch code: 0959)

2. Citizen Rights and sustainable Development
A/C 1-20311-714-101707, Arif Habib Bank Ltd. Deans Trade Center, Peshawar, Cantt.

An appeal to national and international organizations, Pakhtun Diaspora, national and international community

For the last 4-days there has been raining in almost all parts and districts/Agencies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA which caused a lot of destruction and devastated many houses especially huts and mud built houses. The flood caused due to heavy downpour and gushed into the settlements especially in rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which has demolished almost all houses and million of the inmates are stranded in water. Those who have remained stranded in their demolished houses are in miserable conditions and are having no option except to weep or pray to God to help them all. There are many instances where the family members have been divided into two parts. The parents particularly fathers have remained in the safer areas while their children who remain homes at time of the rain got stranded and are still in same condition. Those children have been weeping for the last three days and nights but there is non to come to their rescue and get them rid of this miserable condition and to take them to some safer areas and provide them with food and safe potable waters. The stranded people especially women and children are having nothing to eat as the little or small stock they had has already either finished or drained by the flood water. There are sick and old people also who are still in trouble stranded there in their houses with no medicines and other edible. This situation is not related with one or two particular area. The entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been facing with same situations and people are in great trouble. They need to be evacuated first and then other facilities and needs be provided on emergency steps. The TV Channels and other humanitarian institutions have been calling the government to come to the rescue but the situations are so worst and are out of the control that only the government will not be able to handle it alone. The governments are not capable in even shiny days to help the people how can it would be able to come in help the citizens in rainy days?
The people need food, clean drinking water, clothes, tents, edibles, Medicines, and above all their evacuation is foremost needed and for this purpose small boats are required on emergency bases to bring the stranded people out of their places to comparatively safer places and spots.


Regards

Zar ali Khan
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
Emails: srd.org.pk@gmail.com
tncfata@gmail.com

+92-3159195919
Peshawar

Tribal NGOs Consortium condemns killing of two Christian brothers in Faisalabad

Tribal NGOs Consortium strongly condemns killing of the two Christian brothers in Faisalabad Punjab by the religious fundamentalist elements who have made the society as hostage. Killing a human being should not be justified by just saying that he or she said some blasphemous remarks against a religious entity or sacred place and book etc. There are many people in this society who have their own grudges against people of the other sect or religion. They use the religion to justify their wrongdoings but it could not be justified in any case. Individuals are not permitted to harm a citizen or to kill him/her. This is an inhuman act and is to be condemned. The government is demanded to take action against such unlawful wrong doings, arrest the culprits and give them punishment as per law of the land.

Regards
Zar ali khan
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
Peshawar/FATA
tncfata@gmail.com
www.tncfata.blogspot.com

Tribal NGOs Consortium condemns suicide attack in Mahmand Agency,FATA

We were shocked to hear the sad news of the gory suicide incident in Mahmand Agency, FATA in which more than 50 innocent people were martyred and more than 80 were severely wounded. FATA and its people have been suffering for the last many years and especially after 2001 when the extremism and terrorism took the area into its grip and made the people of FATA forced to either migrate to comparatively safer areas of the province or had to live on the terms and conditions of the militants and military alike.
The recent report of the Amnesty International is an eye opener in which it was clearly stated that more than 4 million innocent tribal people are hostage to the militants and military alike. People of the FATA are living as IDPs and they have no basic amenities for the life. Recently about 40 thousands people were forced to leave the area in FR Peshawar by the apparently militants. The stories of the trouble and agony of the people in FR-Peshawar were published in various newspapers and were highlighted in media but still to no avail.
Tribal NGOs Consortium condemns the suicide incident in Mahmand Agency once again and demands of the government and other human rights organizations to do some thing positive and practical to save the people of FATA from such inhuman and barbaric acts.

Regards
Zar ali khan
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
Peshawar
tncfata@gmail.com
+923015963337

Amnesty International and FATA

Amnesty International and FATA

By Zar Ali Khan Musazai

In a recent Report issued by Amnesty International regarding Human Rights situations in FATA concern was shown that nearly 4 million people in FATA live under Taliban rule where they suffer human rights abuses from both militants and the Pakistani Army.
As if Hell Fell on ME, a report based on interviews with nearly 300 people, says millions live in a, human rights free zone, where militants torture and kill women aid workers and men without beards. Pakistani soldiers have also committed serious violations, including indiscriminate artillery fire and extrajudicial executions, as the army swept across the tribal belt over the past year, the report said.
FATA is a buffer between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan termed it its geography but till this very day since its creation in 1947, she has done no good to this part of the world.
Political freedom has been closed for the people of this area. Political parties act has not been yet extended to FATA. On Aug. 14, 2009 incumbent President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari announced abolition of FCR and extension of Political Parties Act but soon retreated back for the known reasons pressurized by military establishment not to dare intervene into the affairs of FATA.
As for as we know, there are reasons for pushing FATA into hell, the foremost is that area in question is still not having any constitutional status as to whose part is it? The second is that Pakistani establishment has been in its control to use it against Afghanistan and to take into hands who rules the Kabul. People at helm of affairs in Islamabad have no interest in those living in FATA (Native People of FATA) rather they have their own interest in FATA. We see that FATA has been used for the terrorism for the last nearly 30 years. Religious extremism was promoted by the establishment. Seminaries were constructed and people were encouraged to participate. Politics was termed as a forbidden flower for the people of FATA. They were told that they were different from those living both sides of them. But actually people who at their west and east are of the same ethnicity, Pashtun. They were also told that they were more brave and courageous than others and they had a unique culture. Many a times they were presented as the soldiers having no formal salary out of the national kitty which is supposed to be filled by the alms getting on the very name of tribal people. Actually people of FATA have never been antagonistic to any country or people. They have always remained as peaceful and secular people. In Tirah valley of Khyber Agency so many people are living who are Sikh, by religion. More than 30 thousands Christians have been also residing in FATA but there has never been an incident of killing, abducting or abusing each other. They have all rights what a tribesman and woman have except some what the FCR has taken from them. This is an excellent example of tolerance and secularism. People in Tirah go to the funeral prayers of their sikh brethren and have a good relation ship and no one counts him or her as alien. They have never scorned at them for being different from what they practice. Now we have to come to the facts as to what are the reasons that turned the situations sour. Due to an area like a black hole having no know how about politics and political parties’ presence the religious extremism was promoted and encouraged by the state sponsored agencies for the reasons already mentioned above. Political Agent was imposed on them to decide about their future. Militants from across the world and Punjab were invited by establishment to FATA and a farce like situations was developed in which several actors have been performing their respective acts. Militants were handed over the guns and weapons while on other players started getting fund from international community to apparently wipe out terrorists. In this whole drama the marginalized people of FATA has no role. They and their land are just used for the stage and getting money. Pakistani establishment is a fund starved one and would be using all means and tactics to get the dollars to fill the pockets and have an occasion to loot and plunder with both hands and the recent report of Transparency International also supported our view.
The report of Amnesty International should open the eyes of international community giving fund to the cheaters and robbers on the heads of tribal and FATA. People are hostage and they have been terrorized to the extent that no one in FATA could dare to discuss this issue and go to the bottom of the awful tale of the FATA residents. Most of the tribal have left for comparatively safer places to take shelter. Those who are still there are at the mercy of terrorists and military alike. More than 50000 innocent tribesmen and women were sacrificed for the sin they had not committed. About 3500 pro peace political people, tribal Malakan and influential were ruthlessly beheaded and assassinated Fund is coming and drowned the drain. Neither terrorism was wiped out nor did miseries of people come to an end.
Now it is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to do something for the betterment of the people in FATA because it has been getting the fund on its name but no one knows where it goes.

(The writer is a social and political worker and currently is Chairman Tribal NGOs Consortium, FATA and can be reached at email tncfata@gmail.com, www.tncfata.blogspot.com , + 92-3015963337)

People of FR-Peshawar still wait to be recognized as IDPs

FR-Peshawar is situated in South of Peshawar and is a part of FATA. It comprises of 4-sub tribes known as Ashokehl, Hassan Khel, Janakor and Jwaki(Bora and Pastawana).
Militants have captured entire area of Jwaki and they have destroyed about 3 schools out of 7 schools in this area. The destroyed schools consist of one Primary (Boys), One Primary (Girls) and a High School for boys. Almost all the residents of the Bora and Pastawana have left their homes to take shelter in some comparatively safer areas of Peshawar, Nowshera, Zangali, Shamshato, Sharikera, and Karachi. Bora and Pastawana have a population of about 40 thousands. The local say that only few old men have remained there and the rest have left the area. All the displaced people are living with the host families in the said safer areas and some who have no relative are living in rented houses. The displaced people comprise more of women and children because the male members are mostly abroad and earn livelihood. Children out number the displaced population. IDPs(Status still awaited) have left all their belongings at their homes in villages and have come without food items and cash along with them because the fear they sensed there was more and they opted to migrate sooner is better. Now children schooling and providing food to them is a problem for the IDPs(Status awaited). People need food, drinking water, Medicines, Tents, Hygiene, Shelter, Cash, Kitchen utensils, Fans etc.
The season is hot and hard and due to displacement the People have been suffering from the problems. Host families also face problems because their resources are very few and their space is also limited. Each family comprises of more than 15 persons which caused more trouble for the host families and have also created problems for host families.
The IDP(Status awaited) demand for their right to be accepted as IDPs. The government has still not recognized them as IDPs which has multiplied the problems for the people migrated from the restive area.


Regards,
Zar Ali Khan Musazai
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium (TNC)
Peshawar
tncfata@gmail.com
+923015963337

Profile of SRD

Profile of Society for Rights and Development(SRD)
Profile of SRD
1. Name of Organization: SOCIETY FOR RIGHTS & DEVELOPMENT (SRD)
2. Registration No. Reg. No 1926/5/5820, Societies Act XXI of 1860
3. Office Address: Suit # 01, Hamayun Tower, Samandar Abad Opposite Gul Haji Plaza University Road Peshawar.
Tel: +92-91-5253154
Cell: +92-301-5963337
Fax: +92-91-5253154
E-mail: srd.org.pk@gmail.com, societyrd.org_pk@yahoo.com
www.societyrd.blogspot.com

Vision of SRD: Our vision is a world of Peace, hope, tolerance, pluralism, democracy, human rights and a Social System of Justice and equality, where hunger and poverty have been overcome and all People of the world could live as developed human beings in dignity and security like the inmates of one home where every one feels secure without fear of being tormented and insecure.

4. Aim, Objectives and Principles:
Aim: To create an environment of Peace, Tolerance, Pluralism and democracy based on highest human values, human development, equality & equity through promotion of human Rights & sustainable development at grass roots level in FATA and other Pashtun areas.

Introduction

The organization is recently registered with Government of Pakistan under Societies Act 1860 is a non–profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian. However it’s founders / Cabinet have been working with community for last almost 10 years and they have an experience in management in the sectors like poverty alleviation, political rights, health, education, women development, Youth development, child Labor, environmental pollution, human development and, Education sector, Consumer Rights etc. The BOD have a vast working experience and knowledge to its credit in mass mobilization, Community awareness, Advocacy, Capacity building by arranging Seminars, Dialogues, Conferences, Workshops, Walks ,Rallies ,Festivals, Exhibitions, Debates, Focal group discussions and holding meetings on social, Political and economic issues. The BoD and Advisors have carried out various researches, surveys, consultancies, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessments, training workshops, research papers, training material development and developing IEC material. They have shared their expertise and extended co-operating hand at time to time with Govt. Semi-Govt. INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, Private and Public Commercial Sectors to promote the objectives set forth of SRD.

The Objectives of the SRD

The main objectives of SRD are as follows (The main focal area is FATA and Khyber- Pukhtunkhawa areas)
To Promote Peace, Democracy, and Pluralism in FATA and areas of Khyber Pukhtunkhawa
To work to end the hunger from society (FATA and Khyber Pukhtunkhawa)
To establish educational institutions and to promote universal education.
To work for gender equality.
To work for the betterment of maternal and child health.
To combat HIV/AIDS.
To promote intercultural and intra-cultural activities.
To establish female education centers, Adult literacy centers and Non-formal education centers, vocational and technical skills Development centers.
To work for the promotion of Human Rights, Labor Rights, women Rights, Consumer Rights, Political Rights and Civic Rights.
To promote child Rights and to discourage Child labor.
Youth Promotion and Development.
To promote interfaith Harmony.

Mandate & Values:

Keeping in view the Aims and objectives of SRD, which are mainly addressing poorest of the poor (particularly Labours, females and children), indicate that they are in accordance with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

5. Principles & Management:

SRD have a set of clearly defined policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) exist at all levels of the organization. All the Principles are developed in consultative manners that are reflected in the constitution and rules & regulations of SRD.

Sectors of Interventions;

Education
Health
Workers/ Labours Education.
Democracy.
Human Rights.
Establishment of Resource Centers.
Capacity Building of NGOs, CBOs, CCBs.
Community development and poverty alleviation.
Gender Equality, Women Rights and Women Developments.
Human & Institutional Development (HID)
Environmental Issues
Youth development
Promotion of peace and conflict resolution
Conducting Surveys

6. Sources of core funds/Income: Donations, Grants, consultancies & membership fee etc.

7. Organizational Capacity:

Society for Rights and Development (SRD) presently employ 2 fulltime and 10 volunteers and support staff responsible to facilitate and provide technical assistance to its partner communities.
The areas of operation of SRD clearly indicates the representation of poor and underprivileged communities right from the start of the projects activities up to evaluation and impact analysis of the project objectives.
Strong participation of communities (Individuals & Organizations) at all levels in the SRD interventions can be considered as one of the Means of Verification of SRD credibility and recognition among its partner communities and their families. Increasingly involvement on SRD Directors and Advisor have extensive experience with Government Departments and other line agencies ( Health, Education, Human Rights, Consumer Rights ) in the Khyber Pukhtunkhawa districts and FATA.

8. Human Resources:

SRD Management Structure:
SRD with a decentralized structure manages its operations through a 3-tier management structure. The management structure includes:
Board of Directors: A 07 members BoD representing private sector, communities and academia and mainly entrusted with policy level functions with need based support to SRD management in implementing its aims and objectives.

Mr. Zar Ali Khan Afridi Geologist / Freelance Journalist.
Mr. Malik Mir Afridi Agriculturist
Mr. Mia Abdul Nasir mohmand Social worker
Mr. Rahim Khan Educationist
Mr. Muhammad Zahir Shah Safi Advocate
Mr. Naeem Gul mohmand Social Worker
Mr. Mehmoodurrehman Afridi Social worker

Cabinet: The SRD 7 Members Cabinet is responsible for implementing the aims and objectives of the organization under the overall policy guidelines of SRD Board of Directors.

Mr. Zar Ali Khan Afridi Executive Director/ President
Mr. Malik Mir Afridi General Secretary
Mr. M.Zahir Shah safi Advocate Co-ordinator
Mr. Naeem Gul Mohmand Treasurer
Mr. Mia Abdul Nasir Mohmand
Mr. Mehmoodurrehman Afridi Vice President
Mr. Rahim Khan Joint Secretary

Operational Core: The level of management comprises Project Managers and Team Leaders who provide overall technical assistance and guidance to the field team to facilitate them in the quantitative and qualitative achievements of program objectives at the field level.

9. Advisory Council
Advisory Council comprises major individuals who contribute their advice and experience to SRD on a regular basis (not holding executive office) who maintain an association with SRD, and whose advice and support are called on from time to time.

Advisors:-
Aimal Khan Journalist/Political and Social Analyst
Dr. Ali Haider Neuro Surgeon (FATA)
Shahjehan Professor
Fazal Mula Zahid Agriculturist
Zarteef Afridi Human Rights Activist(FATA)
Zahir Shah Safi Advocate(FATA)
Nusrat Afridi Women Rights Activist(FATA)
Luqman Afridi Social Worker(FATA)
Sabir Hussein Bangash Human Rights Activist(FATA)
Dr.Yahya Professor
Syed Mudassir Shah Journalist

10- Financial Management & Control:
The following are the Financial Control Mechanisms of SRD.

10.1 SRD maintains a bank account in the selected scheduled banks jointly operated by three specimens’ signatures of President/Executive Director, and the Finance Secretary.

10.2 Upon approval of the work plan by the President the allocated projects make advances on demand of concerned team leaders recommended by Finance & Admin Section.

10.3 Monthly/Quarterly and Six monthly Financial Plans are prepared by SRD and submitted for approval to the Chairperson Board of Governors in their scheduled meetings.

10.4 All disbursements are made to the projects as per the periodical requirement/demands of the project staff members after the verification of concerned section In-Charges.

10.5 All expenditure bills go through the process of verifications by Section In-Charges and Finance /Admin Section and get approved as per the SRD financial rules & Regulations.

11. Management & Internal Control System:
11.1 SRD Main Office Staff works under the administrative and management control of SRD and follows all the rules and regulations under the contractual obligations of employee or employees.

11.2 All the needed systems and procedures are jointly defined, internalized and put in place by SRD management team.

12. Projects/ Programs under consideration (Future Planning):

The BoDs in their meeting have decided to approach on the previous experience, performance, capability regarding community development, Human resource management, and other sectors of interventions of SRD the following projects are under consideration to be taken with different partners/ donors (National and International) and Government Departments;
Scarcity of food items, food deficiencies and famine like situations in FATA and other Pashtun areas.
To defend the Local Government System (Devolution of power) and to avert threats to its existence.
FATA reforms and strengthening of the FATA CSOs networking.
To work for establishment of consumer courts in NWFP(Pukhtunkhawa)
FCR and its alternative legal and political system in FATA.
To promote peace and tolerance in FATA and NWFP.
Capacity building for the Codification of Jirga System in Tribal areas
To promote tolerance and democratic norms in students of various education institutions through their capacity building in FATA and other Pashtun areas.
To educate students regarding HEC policy about student Union and code of ethics.
Labor Rights and its implementation
Vocational and Training Institute for the Girls and women in FATA and Province.
Vocational and Training Institute for the Street Children.
Women development and their participation in democratic institution.
Capacity development of Government and Private school teachers.
Natural Resource management Program for the conservation of forest.
Poverty alleviation Program for the poor community.
Health: Primary & Reproductive Health including HIV/Aids, Mother & Child Care, Family Planning, Adolescents Health Development etc
Interfaith Harmony.
Youth Advocacy and promotion of Healthy culture for youth.
To mitigate the problems of internally displaced people (IDPs) due to ongoing conflicts between security forces and extremists in NWFP/FATA

SRD has been working with the following main organizations in Advocacy for Human Rights, Farmer Rights, Consumer Rights, Tribal Rights, Peace and Development in FATA, IDPs etc.
1: Action aid
2: SPO (Strengthen Participatory Organization)
3: Sungi Development Foundation
4: World Vision
P & Election Commission of
Pakistan.
Worked with ISP/SMC (Institute of Social Policy, Islamabad) which was conducting a survey of the educational institutes Public/Private in SEVEN districts of Khyber Pukhtunkhawa and Two Agencies of FATA including the inaccessible high mountainous areas of the Khyber Agency “Tirah” near Pak-Afghan border(Durand line) in education reforms 2006-7 and Kurram Agency near Pak-Afghan border. ISP in Collaboration with School Mapping Consultant (SMC) was conducting this survey in the collaboration with RTI (A Research Triangle Institute International).
• SRD has been working for the consumer rights in Khyber Pukhtunkhawa from the plate form of consumer Action council (CAC) with the collaboration of “The Network for Consumer Protection Islamabad”.
• The Executive Director of SRD has remained as Chairman of Consumer Action/Protection Council for Khyber Pukhtunkhawa.
• SRD has to its credit of report writing for various National and International organizations etc. during surveys on different subjects in areas (Settled and FATA).

• Report of Focal group discussion of Political Workers, Shopkeepers, teachers, Youth, and Special groups for Peace Promotion in Jamrud, Khyber Agency FATA with collaboration of TDIP.

SRD has also its credit several but regular write ups on the Pashtun issues concerning terrorism, extremism and their day to day plights and troubles(Khyber Pukhtunkhawa and FATA including Afghanistan)
• SRD has written a detailed report on the ongoing worst situation in swat, a district of Khyber Pukhtunkhawa where Taliban and extremist forces have taken the people as hostages under the command of a religious fundamentalist Cleric. SRD has also written a report on deteriorated worst conditions of the girls Schools in Swat.
• SRD members and Staff both have also widely traveled to different areas of the troubled/ restive Khyber Pukhtunkhawa province /FATA to observe the plights of the people there from near and get them informed about the real and actual situation.
• Election Commission of Pakistan accredited to visit the Polling Stations and Offices to observe the polling process and consolidate the result for January 8, 2008 elections.
• SRD has worked with ISP/SMC (Institute of Social Policy Islamabad) on IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons of Bajour and other Turbulent Agencies of FATA) a Project of UNICEF where Executive Director of SRD also composed a detailed report about the problems of the people in CAMPS which were set up in Peshawar, Mardan , Charsadda ,and Nowshera districts of NWFP. Names of the Camps are Benazir, Sheikh Yaseen, Palosa and Kacha Gari. Report concerning survey can be available on demand.
• Torture against women in Police custody( A Survey conducted by SRD with collaboration ) where members of SRD visited several concerned Quarters and composed a detailed report about the Subject
• Conducted a survey of SPO on the participation and issues concerning women in local Bodies.
• SRD has done a lot of work with collaboration Citizen Rights for Sustainable Development (CRSD). It, s work can be gauged from the web site of CRSD, www.crsdpk.org
• Rapid assessment of Buner cluster by World vision for IDPs.
Programs under the banner of Tribal Development Network (TDN)
1. This conference was held in Islamabad in May last 2009 in which almost all members
Organizations of the TDN participated enthusiastically. In said conference foreign
Diplomats and their representatives also participated and took keen interest in
Activity concerning FATA. This activity was generously supported by the Sungi
Development Foundation Islamabad. The venue where the activity held was
Islamabad Inn Hotel.
The purpose of the activity was to promote peace in FATA and engage the member
Organizations to do work for the development in area in question. This Conference
Greatly helped introducing member organizations of TDN with foreign donors based
in Islamabad.

2. Seminars:
TDN held an other important activity in July, 2009 in Peshawar under caption Peace
And Development in FATA. In the said conference all the member Organizations of
TDN, FATA Parliamentarians, Political and Social Personalities, Journalists, Lawyers,
Women representatives of FATA, Students and Youth participated. In this
Conference more than 300 FATA based personalities, Mashran, elders and
Representatives of the civil society of FATA had participated.


3. Training:
A three Days training arranged by TDN for the member Organizations in Abbott Abad
In year 2009, with collaboration of Sungi Development Foundation. This training was
On advocacy for member organizations of TDN under title, Advocacy tool for Right
Based Approach.
TDN member organizations based in Khyber Agency have held dozens of the
Seminars, demonstrations, press conferences, walks, Consultations, dialogues etc.
on peace , development and reforms in FATA. These programs were held with
Collaboration of SPO.
These member organizations have been provided trainings and workshops on
Basic human rights, good governance, Advocacy tools and organizational and
Financial management.


4. Conflict Resolution and peace building
TDN also held a two days- training for its member organizations under title Conflict
Resolution and peace building in Peshawar on Dec. 29-30, 2009 for its member
Organizations. The member organizations of TDN capacity building was enhanced
Regarding playing work for the resolution of the conflict through peace in FATA in
Such worst political situations of the area.
TDN also held member organizations meetings from time to time to strengthen
Liaison among the members of the Network.
Member Organizations of TDN have been provided trainings on different subjects on
Various times by the FATA Secretariat through its Capacity Building Project (CBP)
And it has generously donated seed grants to several organizations of TDN in almost
All 7- Agencies and 6- FRs.
TDN is engaged holding dialogues for its member organization in all Agencies and
FRs under title Developmental issues of FATA and our responsibility. This program is
Still in progress aiming to collect a true data regarding FATA issues and finding a
Solution to it.


5. Seminars:
TDN has also held a mammoth Seminar in University of Peshawar for the IDPs of
FATA in 2009. The caption of Seminar was FATA IDPs, Issues and Challenges.
The aim of Seminar was to promote the legal status of the FATA IDPs under the UN
Guiding principles which were denied to IDPs of the FATA by the time. This Seminar
Was participated by several delegates of FATA representing the all segments of
Society in FATA. Almost all students studying in various departments of Peshawar
University, Colleges and education institutions. The students and youth took keen
Interest in the issues of the Tribal IDPs.

6.
TDN has also held several dozens of the demos, press conferences, and has
Issued press releases from time to time for the issues of tribal IDPs, Students,
Youth both male and female, and Promotion of peace and encouragement of the
Development in FATA.

SRD has been working with the following main organizations in Advocacy for Human Rights, Farmer Rights, Consumer Rights, Tribal Rights, Peace and Development in FATA, IDPs etc.
1: Action aid
2: SPO (Strengthen Participatory Organization)
3: Sungi Development Foundation
4: World Vision
5: ISP (Institute of Social Policy, Islamabad)
6: SMC (School Mapping Consultant, in a Project of WFP Market Price and Cross-border Monitoring, FATA)

SRD is a member of the following Networks, Web etc.
1: All voices (A media Site)
2: Pulse wire (A web site of the women SRD regularly contributes to it)
3: Joint Action Committee
4: member of Tribal Development Forum (TDF)
5: member of FATA Reforms Movement (FRM)
6: member of Amn Tehrik(Peace Movement)Peshawar
7: member Tribal Development Network(TDN) FATA
8: member Sap-pk Think Tank for FATA Reforms
9: member of The Humanitarian Network
10. Member of the Tribal NGOs Consortium and the executive Director is also the chairman of TNC at present
11: member of Citizen Rights Movement(CRM)

Tribal NGOs Consortium launched

Tribal NGOs Consortium launched
An important meeting of the FATA based NGOs was held in Peshawar which was presided by Malik Luqman Afridi and participated by the representatives of almost all the civil society organizations of FATA. The participants unanimously agreed to rename their respective networks working in FATA as Tribal NGOs Consortium (TNC). Now the united plate form after merger will be a representative body of the tribal organizations and the TNC will be working for the well being and welfare of the people and organizations of FATA. Zar Ali khan musazai was named as the first Chairman while Manzoor Afridi as General Secretary, Sameena Afridi vice Chairperson and Iftikhar Mullagori as Press Secretary of TNC respectively. Ameer Khan, Master Khan Habib Afridi, Zarteef Khan Afridi, Ghani Rehman, Iqbal Afridi, Nisar Mohmand, Dr. Ali Haider, Gulzaman, Majeed Afridi, Younas Khan Orakzai, Ali Wazir, Zaman Wazir, Farooq Shah, Shams Naveed, Sabit Gul, Naushad Afridi, Atlas Khan Sherani, Ashraf Ali, and Ashrafullah Dawar were declared as the members of Steering Committee of TNC.

The Tribal NGOs Consortium would extend its all possible support to the FATA based civil Society Organizations, strengthening their coordination, resolving the issues concerning NGOs, Building the capacity of organizations and their members and raising the issues of tribesmen on each and every plate form to apprise all and sundry about the problems of people in FATA. Consortium will be struggling peacefully to help alleviate poverty by strong and co coordinated support of the grass level community based organizations of FATA and would increase their capacity to work for the promotion of peace, welfare and development of the area in question and its inhabitants alike.

Regards,

Zar Ali Khan
Chairman
Tribal NGOs Consortium
tncfata@gmail.com
03015963337

Peshawar Declaration against terrorism, Dec.12,2009

Peshawar Declaration

The documents of *Peshawar Declaration* which is endorsed by Political Parties and Members Amn Tehrik, (an umbrella organization of all walks of civil society), was formally launched in a gathering in a local Hotel on 10 February 2010.

The gathering was attended by representatives of *Awami National Party*,Pakistan *Peoples Party PPP* *Pushtunkhwa Milli Awami Party*, *Awami Party,National Party*, and all the component organizations under the banner of Amn Tehrik. Prominent among the participants were convener Amn Tehrik IdreesKamal, Mukhtar Bacha, Rukhshinda Naz, Dr. Said Alam Mehsud, Syed Ayub Shah,Dr. Hassan Nasir, Dr. Abdul Malik Baluch, Muhammad Tahseen, Haris Khaliq ,Mukhtar Yousafzai, Hasham Babar, Qaisar Khan Advocate, Shahab Khattak,MNA’s Jamila Gilani and Bushra Ghohar, MPA’s Shagufta Malik, Tabasum Younas ketosis, Khalid Ayub, Mustajab Mazdoor yar, Muhammad Jan Gagyani, Shirin Javed, Umair Ahad Mir Khel, Tariq Afghan, Zar Ali Khan Musazai,Executive Director Society for Rights and Development(SRD) Nazra of KK,Fazle Maula, Shad Begum, Ijaz Durrani, Nizam ullah Dawar, Miraj Afridi,Muhammad Faisal, Dr.Khan, Zahid Buneri, Muhammad Arif of Khyber Watch, NoorIslam of Sungi and members of the civil society organizations. The Program was supported by Sungi Development Foundation. The participants endorsed the Peshawar Declaration which was jointly prepared by Amn Tehrik and the above-mentioned political parties after a two-day workshop arranged by Amn Tehrikand supported by AIRRA on December 11 and 12, 2009 in Peshawar. In the gathering condolence prayers were also offered for the deceased Pukhtun versatile genius Ajmal Khattak. Gathering condemn killing of Pukhtuns in Karachi through target killing and demanded compensation and inquiry. *Central Deputy Secretary General of ANP Hasham Baber* endorsed the Peshawar Declaration by saying that the said declaration is a milestone for sustainable peace in the region. He criticized the adventurism of Pakistan army in installing the Taliban government in Afghanistan. According to him if the establishment stopped supporting the militants the US would have no need to fight them. He said that no political party has the Strategic Depth policy in its manifesto and even the religious parties do not approve it openly. He said that only democracy and the collective will of the people can win the war against terror. He said that even a corrupt civilian president is preferable to a military dictator. He said that the US roadmap can extend to FATA if terrorism is not eliminated. He expressed his dissatisfaction over the role of media in propagating anti-terrorist campaigns. He specifically mentioned ANP’s martyrs who scarified their lives for the noble cause of peace and eliminating terrorism. *Provincial President of Pukhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Mukhtar Yousafzai*provided a detailed historical explanation of the internal and foreign policies of Pakistan vis-à-vis terrorism. He said that the spirit of 1940Resolution was desecrated by the ruling elites and a new Pakistan ideology was coined which made Pakistan a hell for smaller nations and a calamity for the neighbouring countries like India and Afghanistan. According to him global terrorism emanated from the cantonments of Pakistan which killed 3 millions Afghans. He criticized the military’s role in ignoring the activities of Taliban in Swat and FATA. According to him the military can kill Akbar Bugti and even sack Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto but when it comes to Fazal Ullah, Mangal Bagh and Bait Ullah Mahsud they become incompetent. He said that the intelligence agencies are responsible for the terrorism. He quoted General Hamid Gul, Naseer Ullah Baber, Colonel Imam, Sami ul Haq and Fazl urRahman for providing an opens support to the terrorists. He said that the Pukhtun nation in its three thousands year’s history never abused the Hindus and Sikhs who are living in the Pukhtuns’ land like Teerah, Buner and Swat. He said that terrorism is imposed upon Pukhtuns and every child in Pukhtunkhwa knows that ISI is behind the terrorists. He said that their FIR is against the state and its intelligence agencies. He said that all responsibility falls on the shoulder of Punjab to force the military to abandon their madness. He said that the problem of Kashmir should be solved by the people of Kashmir and people like Aslam Beg and Kiani should stop thinking Kashmir as their fiefdom. According to him Pakistan stands as guilty if standards of international justice are applied. If Pakistan continues to live in a state of denial all doors of salvation would be closed for her. He said the military and militants are under one command. Hetermed the military operations as dramas and asked for compensating those who suffered at the hands of militants and the military. * * *Central President of the National Party Senator Dr. Abdul Malik Baluch*referred to the historical joint struggle of Pukhtuns and Baluchs and the contributions of Wali Khan and Bezenjo in this regard. He specifically highlighted the extreme poverty in Baluchistan and FATA and extended his full support to the Peshawar Declaration. He said that despite their boycott of the elections they would not become accomplice to derail democracy. He urged renewed good relations with Afghanistan, Iran and India. *Idrees Kamal Convener Amn Tehrik* Said that we are thankful AIRRA, who supported 12,13 Dec 2009 Conference and Sungi Development Foundation who supported today 9th Feb, 2010 conference for dissemination of Peshawar Declaration. We are thankful to all those who participated and endorsedPeshawar Declaration. We are thankful to Political Parties and other civil society organization had already those who has endorsed, printed and disseminated Peshawar declaration in their organ. We expect from media that they will do their best to highlight the plight of Pashtun and Report of Conference for dissemination of Peshawar Declaration. We pay homage to all those who sacrifices their lives for peace and prosperity of Pashtun and Pashtun region and for the people living in this regions and all theinnocent people of who became targeted. We are not satisfied from Media because they are not playing their due role. *Rukhshinda Naz of Women Action Forum WAF* and member of the Steering Committee of Amn Tehrik appreciated the participation of the significant number of female participants in the gathering. She said that the women in Peshawar and other parts of NWFP are realizing to raise their voice against militancy and work for sustainable peace in the region. She gave instance of Swat by saying that only five thousand females in Swat alone are deprived of education due to the terrorist activities. She said that Swat was the focusof media but she lamented that media has no access to other parts of Pukhtunkhwa and FATA especially the South. She urged the women of other parts of Pakistan to show solidarity with the Pashtun women vis-à-vismilitancy and terrorism. *Dr. Said Alam Mahsud, SVP, PMAP, Chairman PAM member of Steering Committee *:- applauded the role of ANP’s female parliamentarians in making the Amn Tehrik more vibrant and vocal. He said that Amn Tehrik got successful mainly because of the sacrifices of three thousand Pashtun which included 2700tribal elders and 295 ANP workers and leaders and all those who martyred in suicide attacks, target killing. He highlighted the main points of the Peshawar Declaration by saying that due to the Strategic Depth policy ofPakistan, terrorists from different racial, linguistic and cultural background and from the different countries have settled in the Tribal Areas. He said that Pukhtuns’ society is deliberately Arabised and injectedwith Wahabi ideology. He asked the Arab militants to fight their war in their respective countries and spare Pukhtun land from further bloodshed.Quoting lines from Peshawar Declaration, he said that the Strategic Depth policy failed Pakistan in Bengal, Kargil and Kashmir and even the strategic assets in Afghanistan renounced their patrons after becoming the rulers of Afghanistan. He said that UN-mandated forces in Afghanistan are there to defeat terrorism and any further following of the Strategic Depth policy would possibly invite the wrath of international community and the forces could enter Pakistan. He was specially sceptic of the military operations and quoted many lines from the Peshawar Declaration which represented the indigenous or local perceptions regarding the operations. He asked the military to say an end to the policy and declare an open war againstterrorism by invoking the same spirit with which the civil society had helped the military in the 1965 war. He suggested focusing on age-group between 12 to20 because they can easily fall prey to the terrorists andbecome suicide bombers. * * *Representing National Party, provincial President* of the party Mukhtar Bacha and Member steering Committee Amn Tehrik. He threw light upon the history of Amn Tehrik and a successful campaign on the part of its members for bringing sustainable peace to the region. While addressing the gathering, he explained the two main causes of terrorism in the region i.e.the Strategic Depth policy of Pakistan and Al-Qaeda. He specifically referred to the recent statement of the Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani and termed it a success of the part Amn Tehrik and Peshawar Declaration which stirred an immediate and timely response from the power circles. *Former MPA, Member Provincial Council, President City District Peshawar from PPPP Syed Ayub Shah* said on the occasion that Pakistan in general and NWFP in particular is the target of the terrorism. He said that the cause of terrorism is the policies of the previous governments. He asked for strengthening the democratic institutions to fight terrorism. He specifically referred to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and resolved to fight any adventurism on the part of vested interest groups to derail democracy. *Dr. Hassan Nasir Central Convener of Awami Party Pakistan APP* extended his full support to the Peshawar Declaration and pledged to extend help to Amn Tehrik in propagating its message from Peshawar to Karachi. We should adopt a joint strategy to achieve our goal. *Muhammad Tahseen from SAP-Pak* said that the people of Peshawar have raised their genuine concerns on proper time and he supported the declaration. He termed the army general as lunatic by terming their policies as suicidal. *Haris Khaliq of SPO* criticized the religious parties for supporting the terrorists. He also criticized Imran Khan for his pro-Taliban stance. According to him there was no difference between the seminaries and thegovernment educational institutions as both follow a curriculum which support and spread terrorism. He asked for reforms in education sector and emphasized the need for starting a debate about the role of Saudi Arabia in sponsoring terrorism. *Shahab Khattak of Awami Party* warned the participants and general public against people like Genral Hamid Gul who are once again propagating terrorism. He said that Pakistan’s military is playing the role ofmercenaries and Pakistan’s economy only survives due to the terrorism industry. We are thankful to all participants and member Amn Tehrik and political parties.

Eliminating Terrorism and Establishing Sustainable Peace in the Region.

Peshawar Declaration


On December 12 and 13, a two days workshop/conference was held in Peshawar with the sole agenda “Terrorism - the ways out”. The workshop was attended by the political parties and civil society organizations that actively opposed terrorism. The participants were keen to contribute and participate in discussions regarding the political, ideological, strategic, economic, and cultural and education/ awareness related aspects of the agenda. The participants were divided into Five Groups and they freely expressed their opinions about the topics they had selected by choice. On the first day every group came up with a rough draft. On the second day final recommendations were drawn from the rough drafts. In a commendable show of unity, members with different political affiliations and shades of opinion succeeded in agreeing upon a single document of consensus.


The workshop was attended by the provincial leadership of Awami National Party (ANP), Pukhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party PMAP, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Pakistan Peoples Party Sherpao PPP(S), National Party (NP) and Awami party Pakistan (APP). Civil society organizations under the banner of Amn Tehrik, (Peace Movement) [1] businessmen, doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, laborers and intellectuals also participated in the workshop. Representatives from all the agencies of FATA, Swat, Malakand and Buner also participated. A significant number of female participants were also present.


Each group presented its report before the Conference. Every report was critically analyzed, objections raised and recommendations for improvement discussed. It was decided that all the reports should be amalgamated into a joint declaration namely “Peshawar Declaration. A five member committee was constituted to prepare the documentation.
After deliberation it was decided that all the organizations that attended the conference will jointly struggle to translate Peshawar Declaration into actions. For this purpose, ten members Coordination Committee (Rabita Committee) was constituted comprising of members from ANP, PMAP, PPPP, PPP Sherpao, Awami Party, National Party and Amn Tehrik (Peace Movement). After the discussion the participants made political, ideological and strategic aspects as a single/one report.

Defining Terrorism:

Terrorism is to create fear on someone to achieve certain ends. A person can be terrorized by a mere threat or he/she can be beaten, abducted, jailed and killed. An individual, a particular group, a sect, a nation or a country can indulge in terrorism to achieve certain objectives. People can also engage in terrorism for money, property or women.

The Current Wave of Terrorism:

Man has been indulging in the ruthless treatment of other human beings throughout the history. The modes of terrorism were different in different times. In the conference all the participants agreed upon the idea that the current surge of terrorism is the most dangerous, the worst type. This kind of terrorism is a complex mixture of religious extremism, fanatics, sectarian, anti-civilization, anti-humanity and coercive ways of life which are most ruthless one. The aim of this kind of terrorism is to impose a self-proclaimed global agenda by killing humanity. What madness is this that the terrorist teacher issue the ticket of paradise to his soldier and marry him to a Hor (beautiful women in paradise) and the soldier confirms the ticket of the paradise by ruthlessly killing innocent humanity including women and children! The obvious madness and in-human thinking behind the rationale of killing fellow human beings including women and children for one’s material and animalistic yearnings (Pure Wines and Beautiful Women) is beyond any comprehension and does not deserve any sympathy or empathy. To defeat this kind of terrorism of our region, it is mandatory to understand its causes and modus operandi, without which cure or elimination will not be possible.

Causes of the Terrorism in our Region:


The current wave of terrorism emanates from two sources i.e. Al-Qaeda and the Strategic Depth policy of Pakistan. Al-Qaeda is a caricature of Arab Expansionism in the disguise of global Islam. Due to the prevalence of Wahabism in the historical hub of Islam, Arabs have dominated the other Muslims. Due to this Al-Qaeda is a specialist of this kind of terrorism including all its ingredient, organizational structure, techniques and strategies.


The second ingredient contributing to this kind of terrorism is the Strategic Depth policy of Pakistan army. The purpose of this policy is to use Jihadi Culture in order to counter India and protect nuclear weapons: to subjugate Afghanistan and making it fifth province or like Azad Kashmir model. The policy was advanced further in 1995 and was decided to make Central Asian Muslim states as their “clients” states.


The Strategic Depth policy of Pakistan army has a complete background. The ideology of nationhood on the basis of religion served its foundation. Cantonments were labeled with the slogans of Jihad Fi Sabel-e-La (Jihad in the name of Allah). Big crossing and turn- abouts in cities were furnished with tanks, fighter planes and replica of the Chaghai hills to make a war-like environment. Instead of a welfare state Pakistan was made a security state. The Objective Resolution (1949) gave birth to Mullah-Military Alliance. The same resolution was included, in letter and spirit, in the constitution by General Zia ul Haq. As a result of religious background, war-like environment, security state and Mullah-Military-Alliance, the first terrorist organizations in the names of Al-Shams and Al-Badar were launched in Bengal. The defeat in Bengal should have been an eye-opener for the establishment and should have signaled end of the military-Jihadist nexus but unfortunately the same policy was practiced in Kashmir, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Terrorist organizations like Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkatul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Tayeeba and Jash-e-Muhamamd were installed in Kashmir. In Paksitan Sibah-e-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Jhangwi and in FATA Lashkar-e-Islam, Ansar-ul-Islam, Amarbil-Maroof, Tahreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi and Tahreek-e-Taliban have been operational.[5] All these organizations were termed as strategic assets. In Afghanistan terrorism was started in 1972. First of all Gulbadin Hikmatyar was brought to Peshawar and Colonel Imam was sent to Afghanistan. During that period and till 1978 Gulbadin Hikmat Yar, Professor Mujadidi, Burhan ud Din Rabbani, Pir Gilani and Abdul Rasool Siaf were trained to be the leaders of terrorists’ organizations.When these people conquered Afghanistan they tried to stop their patrons from interfering in Afghanistan. Thus strategic assets did not help their patrons. Even then the Army did not learn any lesson here and another asset with the name of Taliban was formed which tuned out to be more aggressive and destructive for Afghanistan. During this time the marriage between Taliban and Al-Qaeda took place and they became the rulers of Afghanistan.


Due to the policy of strategic assets the country had already plunged deep into the abyss of terrorism even before 9/11. The riots between Shia and Sunni Sects were a common phenomenon. The suicide bombing in the country was started in 1993. The suicide attack that killed Ahmed Shah Masood was carried out just one day before the 9/11. India and Afghanistan had already been suffering from such attacks. But in due time Pakistan religious extremism spread its tentacles in Pakistan and sectarianism grew. Besides Shia, the Barelvi were also targeted.


This is a historical fact that the US, China, Arab countries and Europe helped Pakistan in its aggression against Afghanistan. To quote just one example 24 billion petro-dollars were spent to establish seminaries (religious schools). Military aggression was named as Jihad. The whole environment was favorable to nurture the already strong triangular Mullah-Military-Militant nexus.


During the rule of the afore-mentioned religious and military components of terrorism, terrorists from Chechnya, Uzbekistan, Sin kiang and other parts of the world came to Afghanistan. Thus Afghanistan became the hub of international terrorism. After 9/11, all these peoples were shifted to FATA. No doubt these terrorists are now present in FATA and elsewhere in the country. There is no denying the fact that these terrorists have occupied FATA and some parts of Punjab like central Punjab and Muridke are their strong holds.

A contradictory Perception in the minds towards terrorism by the people of those areas who are under direct control of terrorists and those who are less are not effected:

FATA and Malakand are the most affected areas due to terrorism. Similarly not a single village or city of Pukhtunkhwa province is spared by terrorists. Although the whole country and even the whole world is suffering from terrorism and the fact that central Punjab or Mureedki is also the hub of terrorists, still it remains a bitter fact that the people of FATA and Pukhtunkhwa are virtually hostage to the terrorists. The perception of terrorism and its causes or their opinions about military operations, the involvement of foreign hands in terrorism and drone attacks are poles apart from the rest of the country.

Why is this contradiction?


One of its reasons is a natural one. There is a Pushtu proverb that burns are felt where there is fire. The second reason is the policy of the government. For example the media policy during General Pervez Musharaf allowed massive coverage to those people who were supporting terrorism. This also includes some of the retired generals, a few journalists and analysts. As a result, those living in other parts of the country or those who were not directly affected by terrorism were uninterruptedly indoctrinated with ideas for about eight years which further helped terrorism. Those living in the war zone are eye witness to all that is happening there and they have their own perception of this war of terrorism. A few examples are:


* It was propagated over the media, though in an implied manner, that terrorism is the continuation of Jihad against the Soviet Russia. The fact is that almost all of those who were fighting against the Russians are eagerly and actively painting on the political canvas of Afghanistan in order to bring stability to the democratic process in Afghanistan. They are the foremost opponents of terrorism. They include professor Mujadidi, Burhan ud Din Rabbani, Pir Gilani and Abdul Rasool Siab, Rasheed Dostam and the party of Ahmed Shah Masood late.
* Only two of the anti-Soviet campaigns are now involved in terrorism i.e. Gulbadin Hikmatyar and Jalal ud Din Haqqani. Gulbadin’s party is almost non-existent. Only one of his commanders Kashmir Khan and a few friends are supporting him. Haqqani had already joined the Taliban.
* Uzbeks, Chechens, Sudanese and terrorists from Sank yang came to Afghanistan during the period of Taliban. At that time the Soviets had withdrawn and Dr. Najeeb’s government was toppled. These terrorist did not exists during the war against Soviets.
* None of the Pakistani terrorists’ organization like Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkatul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Tayeeba, Jash-e-Muhamamd Sibah-e-Sahaba, Lashkar-e-Jangwi, Lashkar-e-Islam, Ansar-ul-Islam, Amar-bil-Maroof, Tahreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi and Tahreek-e-Taliban had participated in anti-Soviet campaign.
* Even the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan have no direct linkage with the anti-Soviet campaign. Despite this, it was propagated over the media that the on-going war is a continuation of the so-called Jihad in Afghanistan. It is propagated that these terrorists were part of the anti-Soviet campaign and they have been living in the tribal areas for thirty years where they had married the local women and thus became part and parcel of the tribal society. The fact is that in the tribal areas a forefinger is never called a native even if had taken asylum and lived there for centuries. Mahsud tribe of South Waziristan had the peculiarity that did not allow a single non local to stay in their area during this whole period.
* Another false propaganda over the media is the number of foreign militants. In the media the number of foreign militants is portrayed as hundred to two hundreds. The reality is that there are 11000 Uzbeks, 6000 Arabs and 9000 Punjabis. From Waziristan to swat the number of Pushtun terrorist is merely 4000 but despite of this fact the whole Pushtun nation is falsely propagated as extremists and terrorist.
* On other issues such as military operations, peace deals and the fighting between army and Taliban the people of war-affected areas have quite a different outlook than those living in the mainland. For example the people of the war-affected areas think that the army and Taliban are not enemies but friends. They have been persistently asking the question why the military failed to target the core leadership of the militants in all the 17 military operations in FATA? This is true that during the military operations the top as well as the second and third cadre leadership were neither killed nor wounded or captured. Moreover, the news of the killing of many terrorist leaders is telecasted several times over the media but they are still alive. Commanders like Ibn-e-Amin, Shah Duran and Ikram ud Din are the prime examples of such false propaganda. In Swat, the news that Fazl Ullah is under a siege was three times telecasted by the ISPR but in the same month it was propagated through media that he had escaped to Afghanistan. Fazl Ullah’s close associates Muslim Khan, Haroon and Mahmood were arrested by the militants but six months have passed and nobody knows what happened to them. In the past, Sufi Muhammad was arrested and then released in a so-called peace deal which was imposed upon the political leadership at gunpoint. The valiant police of the province once arrested 28 terrorists with suicide jackets but these terrorists were taken by the intelligence agencies took them away with the plea of further investigation. These people were kept somewhere for few months. They were released on the day when General Pervez Musharaf imposed Emergency Plus. Only a few words came to us about their release. It is due to these reasons that the people of the war-affected areas are neither satisfied with the military operations nor do they entertain false hopes.
* The people of the war-affected areas demand that these terrorists should be hanged in open space like they used to hang innocent civilian or like what they did to Shabana. These people call for a real and targeted military operation and strongly condemn the dramas in the name of military operations. These people do not support any peace deals with the militants but unlike them the rest of Pakistan talk of putting an end to the military operations and resuming the so-called peace deals.



* The issue of Drone attacks is the most important one. If the people of the war-affected areas are satisfied with any counter militancy strategy, it is the Drone attacks which they support the most. According to the people of Waziristan, Drones have never killed any civilian. Even some people in Waziristan compare Drones with Ababels. (The holy swallows send by God to avenge Abraha, the intended conqueror the Khana Kaaba). A component of the Pakistani media, some retired generals, a few journalists/analysts and pro-Taliban political parties never tire in their baseless propaganda against Drone attacks.



* The same is true of the discourse of foreign hands in militancy. In FATA there is either military or the afore-mentioned militant organizations. Majority of the local people have migrated to other parts of the country. Those who could not flee are helpless and nothing is in their control. The questions arises which one of the militant organization is not created by the Pakistan army and which one is serving a foreign agenda? If such is the case Pakistan should raise the issue on UN forum or name the organization which is serving a foreign agenda by using the diplomatic channel.



The possibility remains that there is a second or third tier terrorist with a few suicide bombers and he exchanges them for a handsome price. But this is not possible on organizational level and if the chaos persisted for a longer period there is also the possibility that some other countries would jumped into the fray or the UN would bring peace forces to these areas.


All the participants agreed that the failure of military operations and the ongoing terrorism which is spreading its tentacles very fast are not because of the inability of the Pakistan army but rather it is a deliberate attempt on the part of our establishment to secure its military assets at every cost.

Terrorism and the Identification of Friends and Foe:


The conference agreed upon the idea that every individual, writer, intellectual, organization or country who is against the terrorists is our friend.


Every individual, organization, party or country that provides sanctuary to the terrorists, extend financial or moral support to them or support them in any way like diverting peoples’ attention to non-issues by concealing the truth about them is a friend of the terrorists and hence an enemy of the participants of the conference—an enemy of Pushtuns, Pakistan and humanity in general.


The conference applied the above mentioned criterion to gauge political parties. The participants unanimously reached the conclusions that Jumat-e-Islami, both factions of Jameet-Ulema-e-Islam, Jumat Al-Hadis Sajid Mir Group, Tahreek-e-Insaf, a component of the Pakistani media and establishment are pro-terrorists. All the Baloch Nationalist Parties are apposing terrorism and supporting Drones so they are our friends. Pakistan Muslim Leg (N, Q) are primarily Punjab based parties, and very closed to establishment. There stand against terrorism is vague so they are on our watch list. MQM in it self is a terrorist organization. Though MQM is apposing terrorist but its because that they see their own terrorism vanishing if the new phenomena enters their constituency.

A) Political Recommendations for the Elimination of Terrorism:

1. The conference agreed upon the decision that the strategic depth policy is not only the cause of terrorism but also it is an end in itself regarding terrorism. The policy caused thousands times greater harm to Pakistan than any NRO or writing off debts could do. Due to this policy hundreds of thousands people killed or injured. The policy has pushed Pakistan into such abysmal depths that its foundations are eroding. The conference agreed upon the idea that the people of Pakistan would still be resolute to oppose terrorist ideology even if the US, NATO or ISAF are defeated in Afghanistan and the terrorist capture the throne of Kabul. If the terrorists succeeded in Afghanistan their next target would be Pakistan. Therefore, this policy is destructive for Pakistan and should be abolished above board.

2. Those who framed this policy should be tried in courts.
3. Interference in Afghanistan should be stopped at one and it should be treated as a sovereign neighbor state.
4. Sanctuaries of terrorism in FATA, Pukhtunkhwa province and other parts of the country like those in Bara, Darra Adam Khel, Mechanai, Mirnashah, Mir Ali, Kurram Agency and central Punjab should be destroyed. A brief and targeted military operation should be launched against the terrorists. A half-hearted military operation is only spreading and helping the terrorists. Therefore, the blunders of the past should not be repeated.

5. NATO and ISAF are sent to Afghanistan under UN mandate. NATO and ISAF should stay in Afghanistan until terrorism is uprooted, foreign interference in Afghanistan must be stopped and the institutions of army and police are established on solid footings. However they should offer a clear time frame for the withdrawal of troops. The US has supported some of the terrorist and it still holds a double standard. Americans are blamed to supporting Jandullah Group. Similarly they are least interested in dealing with the terrorist from Sang kiang. Therefore, no peace loving person would tolerate them after terrorism is uprooted.

6. The conference appeals Saudi Arab and other Arab countries to stop financing the terrorists.

7. The Pakistan army should not indulge it self in registration of the IDP’s or Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of affected areas. This job should be done by the civilian authority the army should concentrate on elimination of the terrorist.

8. Some political forces and a component of the media and establishment are supporting terrorists. These people are enemy of Pushtuns and Pakistan. Such anti-human forces should be defeated and uprooted.

9. The conference urged to promote AFPAK people to people contacts and demanded both the countries not to pose obstacles in them.

10. Besides uprooting terrorism in FATA the people of FATA should be compensated for the damage done due to terrorism. A comprehensive developmental package should be planned and the people of FATA should be allowed to choose any administrative system for themselves.

11. The so-called nonfunctional terrorist organizations are still operative in the country. Merely naming them dysfunctional would not help. These organizations should be practically eliminated.

12. The conference demands that Pakistan army and intelligence agencies should not interfere in politics. They should do their jobs for which they have been recruited. Army and intelligence agencies should be made subservient to the parliament and their control should be in civilian hands.

13. The conference believes that every democratic government should complete its term. Any conspiracy to derail democracy will be defeated. The conference condemns the media trial of the politicians and the so-called corruption charges against them. The conference strongly demands that the establishment should stop dividing the political parties.

14. The IDP’s as a result of army operations should be treated as per UN resolution.

15. The conference agreed that Pushtuns in FATA and Northern Pukhtoonkhwa are made hostage by the terrorists. The terrorists and security personnel are apparently engaged in fighting but their targets are innocent civilians. Four millions Pushtuns are living as IDPs. Our schools are closed and our youth unemployed. Whether there is chance for festivity or an occasion of mourning terrorism is feared. Our Jargas are the target of terrorism. Jargas and Lashkars are banned in tribal areas. In settled areas gatherings and processions are not possible. Local Pushtuns names like Aimal Khan, Darya Khan and Khushal Khan are changed into Abu Zar and Abu Jandal. Pushtun nation is not only hostage to these terrorists but there is also an organized campaign to Arabize them. The whole world is playing its due role against terrorism but the most affected people of this menace are unable to play their effective historical role. The participants in conference agreed that if Pushtuns are given an opportunity to fight terrorism they would definitely deal with the terrorists in their historical courageous way. It is suggested that a grand Pushtun Jarga of the Pushtun of Pakistan should be called upon under the auspices of United Nations. If possible, Afghanistan should also be given representation. The Jarga should deal with the sole agenda “how to eliminate terrorism.” The Jarga should not be arranged on the traditional pattern; rather it should be given a broader touch by inviting all the Khels and tribes so that they can discuss the matter for two or three days the participation of women in this Jirga must be mandatory. It should be conveyed to all non-Pushtuns that these Jargas are actually time-tested indigenous workshops. We believe that this Jarga would supersede all effective counter terrorism efforts. If succeeded, the same experiments should be repeated with the Pushtuns of Afghanistan.

16. The conference unanimously analyzed that the ground realities suggest terrorism is on the rise and Pushtuns are drifting along the tides of national, social, educational and psychological hopelessness. If terrorism is not uprooted in the upcoming months or if it further increased, Pushtuns would distrust all state institution vis-à-vis eliminating terrorism. In that case Pushtuns will be forced to invite UN peace keeping forces. To avoid the worst scenario the problem of terrorism should be taken seriously. Participants of the conference were unanimous in their thinking that all responsibility would fall on the shoulders of the Pakistani establishment if UN peace-keeping forces landed in the area are the world finally opted to redraw the marking of various countries in the region.

B) Economic Recommendations to Eliminate Terrorism:


Fata and Pukhtunkwha province are the most deprived areas for the past 62 years. The irony is that despite of having vast natural resources and being the richest nation, Pushtuns are the poorest, the most uneducated, the most unemployed and perhaps the most displaced people of the world. The ongoing surge of terrorism is only adding insult to injury. To defeat terrorism, all the deprivations of Pushtuns should be dealt with and their economic problems should be solved.


1. All the aid and international assistance in the name of counter terrorism should be spent on FATA, Pukhtunkwha province and other terror-affected areas. The aid should not be diverted to other provinces or institution as is the routine in Pakistan.
2. Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (Roz) should be established in FATA and the people of FATA should be given its ownership and they should also be equipped with the relevant technical know how.
3. Pukhtunkwha province should be declared as war-affected area and support should be extended till terrorism is uprooted in the from of exemption from taxes and utility bills.
4. In FATA the damages done due to terrorism should be compensated and a comprehensive developmental package approved to compensate the deprivations of the past.
5. An economic database should be established in FATA and Pukhtunkwha province for planning and keeping record of the economic needs.
6. Small and medium enterprises and large scale industries should be planned with the aim of imparting technical know how to the local population.
7. Fata and Pukhtunkwha province should be granted ownership of the resources of water, electricity, tobacco, gas and petrol and full fiscal autonomy should be granted accordingly.
8. Pushtuns living in four divided administrative unites should be merged to be gather and made a single united province. Full national autonomy should be granted to this Pukhtun province named Afghania, Pukhtunkhwa or Pukhtunistan. All the liabilities of this province in regard to their resources that are due to the federal government should be paid immediately.
9. Canals from Indus should be networked in Swabi, Shakardara, Laki Marwat and Dera Ismael Khan in order to irrigate and cultivatable 80% of the land which will contribute to the overall agricultural output of the country.
10. In order to increase the hydroelectricity output, the proposed plans in Pukhtuns land should be materialized.


C) Education and Awareness Related Recommendation to Eliminate Terrorism:

The need of education and awareness to combat terrorism should be overemphasized. Terrorism is a global phenomenon but it has become the core issue of Pakistan. The rulers of Pakistan openly admit that Pakistan is in a state of war but unfortunately an open willingness to declare war on terrorism is still a far cry. Minor and poorly coordinated military operations have aggravated the crisis even further. A close examination reveals that the menace of terrorism is spreading deeper and deeper into the society by eroding the basic social fabric.

Recommendations:

Media:


* The government of Pakistan should institute and initialize a concentrated media campaign against terrorism and activities such as dramas, educational pictures, documentaries etc against terrorism should be promoted.
* The media should play its due role in the fight against terrorism. Pro-terrorism broadcasts should be banned. The media should also realize that discussion of non-issues further plays into the hands of the terrorists. The political parties, civil personalities and Lashkars constituted against terrorism should be given proper media coverage. Positive portrayal of terrorists should be discouraged.
* Suicide bomber is the most lethal weapon in the hands of the terrorists. The experience of last many years has proved that the age of suicide bomber is from 12 – 20 years. This age group should be educated that this act is against humanity and Islam. A massive campaign in this regard should be lunched in all the schools, seminaries, every house and village and off course the media should be utilize for this propos and repeatedly re-telecasted. If we are able to educate this age group it would been that the terrorists will use their major weapon.


Education and Religious Seminaries:


1. Budget allocation for education should be increased.
2. Education should be acknowledged as a basic human right.
3. Education till matriculation should be provided free of cost and elementary education up to grade 8 should be made compulsory. Female education should be emphasized.
4. Admission to higher educations should be based on merit while special arrangement should be made to secure the rights of the backward areas and lower classes.
5. Participatory teaching methodology should be introduce in education.
6. Corporal punishment should be banned in educational institutions.
7. The syllabus of education should be renewed. The curriculum should be designed on broader humanistic goals and the aims of good citizenship.
8. Modern scientific knowledge should be imparted on the basis of research and creativity.
9. Laboratories and libraries should be declared necessary for all institutions and all areas.
10. The need to inculcate the qualities of tolerance, peace and democracy should be emphasized and the contributions of people having these qualities should be highlighted to inspire the youth.
11. All the material regarding hate, prejudice and Jihad should be removed from the curriculum.
12. Sectarianism and religious hatred in any form should be termed as terrorism and the persons involved in such activities should be severely punished.
13. All the seminaries that have direct or indirect link with terrorists should be closed and ‘Fatwas’ (Religious Decree) should be obtained from the remaining against the current terrorists.
14. Orthodox seminaries should be streamlined and made answerable to the government.
15. Old history of the region and the consequent major historical events should be incorporated in the curriculum.
16. The curriculum should cater for broader national, regional and international understanding.
17. Healthy co-curricular activities should be made compulsory.
18. Gender equality should be ensured in Education and it should be taught to the students. Discriminatory customs, traditions, laws and curriculum against women should be undone.
19. Parent Teachers Association/ council should also be made compulsory for every school.
20. Students Unions should be reinstated and literary and cultural activities should be termed mandatory in colleges.


D) Cultural Recommendation for the Elimination of Terrorism:



Pushtun nation has 6000 years old strong cultural heritage. Pushtun society and culture is the main target of the current wave of terrorism. Jargas, Lashkars and Collective Responsibility are the three hallmarks of social and cultural fabrics in the tribal areas. Terrorism has targeted these three pillars of the tribal structures in a very organized way. As a result the society has become vulnerable. If we empower Pushtuns socially and culturally it would mean we have won 50% of the war against terror.


1. There is a dire need to instill a new life in Jarga, Hujra and Lashkar and reorganize them on modern modalities.

2. Arts Councils should be established in every district.

3. Community Centers should be set up in every district.

4. Pushtu Literary and Cultural Centers should be organized keeping the Press Clubs modality in view.

5. In this regard the literary organizations which are already contributing should be supported and Peace Committees should be organized in all parts of FATA and Pukhtunkwha province.

6. All illegal FM channels should be closed at once and the perpetrators should be severely dealt with.

7. FM channels should be started by the government to promote peace, development and Pushtun culture.

8. The artists who suffered due to terrorism should be compensated on emergency footings The female artists must also be compensated.

9. Fine Arts departments should be opened in colleges and universities and other educational institutions should be encouraged in this regard.

10. Pakistani media should take measures to discourage the negative trends of presenting Pushtuns as backward, ignorant, extremists and terrorists.

11. A national TV channel for Pushtuns should be started.

12. All those cultural activates should be banned which are against the basic human rights especially against the rights of women.

13. In FATA and Pukhtunkwha museums related to the historical, literary and political personalities should be established for example Khushal Khan Khattak, Aimal Khan Momand, Darya Khan Afridi, Umara Khan, Pir Rokhan, Faqir Ipi, Baacha Khan, Abbdul Samad Khan Achakzai and Sanubar Hussain Kaka Ji.

14. Pushtu should be declared as official language and it should be made the language of education courts and offices.

15. The sign boards should be written in mother tongue.