SWAT: Swat valley was once considered a piece of heaven because of its dazzling beauty. It was a tourist paradise where people lived simple but happy lives. Unfortunately, the economy froze over when a militant movement led by ‘FM Mullah’ evolved and, in the ensuing three years, not only destroyed the valley’s infrastructure but paralyzed all economic and social life.
The troubles of the people in this region were further increased when floods hit the area and washed away what little remained.
But now it is time to rebuild. To assist in livelihoods, USAID, through MEDA Entrepreneurs Pakistan with the help of LASOONA (a society for human and natural resource development in Swat) distributed livestock, seeds and fertilizers to farmers, tools to artisans, and sewing machines to women. Goods worth US$1.8 million were distributed among 7,200 affected families in Kabal Tehsil.
Wiping away her tears, Rashida, related her traumatic experience under the Taliban rule, “They would come and take everything from us at gunpoint. Our houses were destroyed in the war while our animals died while we were away. Now we are limited to one time meals that we get with great difficulty, our children cry for bread. These animals [that have been distributed] will offer real support to us in restoring our livelihood.”
Another conflict-affected person, who received livestock from the camp, told The Express Tribune, “I have been looted by the militants, it was their own rule, and we could do nothing but obey them. They snatched everything from me, my animals and wealth, now in this camp I finally got an animal. But I request for more assistance.”
When asked about the relief and rehabilitation activities, USAID project management specialist Maryam Riaz said, “USAID in collaboration with the government of Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa and [Provincial Reconstruction, Rehabilitation & Settlement Authority] is extending help to the war affected people of this region.”
She added, “We are trying our best to restore and streamline their livelihood resources so that they could live as they did before the insurgency.”
The gloomy expressions of the affected people turned into smiles soon after getting their relief allocations.
An elder said, “We thank both USAID and LASOONA for their generous help them in our time of need.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2010.
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