Pakistan

Denying relief on the basis of belief

This is with reference to Abdul Manan’s article “The politics of relief: Aliens in their own land” (August 18).

Letter August 20, 2010

BALTIMORE, US: This is with reference to Abdul Manan’s article “The politics of relief: Aliens in their own land” (August 18). It was sickening to read the news story about 500 flood-stricken Ahmadi families being discriminated against by the government and clerics in southern Punjab. Let the record show that this is the same community who responded valiantly for the help of hundreds of thousands of Pakistani earthquake victims in 2005. Less than 100 Ahmadi families were affected by that earthquake. Not only that, but the Ahmadi community responded benevolently towards millions in Indonesia after the tsunami in 2004, and even today they provide free boats to local fishermen. None of those fishermen are Ahmadis.

As sad as it is, one does not worry about the 500 Ahmadis. This community has shown resilience against discrimination before. I am more worried about Pakistan.

Faheem Younus

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (5)

Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply I would request my Fellow Pakistani's to follow of basic Human Rights taught by the Muhamad (saw) 1400+ years ago. and show that they are muslims and request them to follow Islam taught by Muhammad (saw) Not by molvi. One of the Hadith says "If you love your creator love your fellow beings first" that is being shown on Ptv several times as everyone has TV at home I belive Pakistanis only need to think out of the box and follow their heart. keeping the teachings of Holy prophet in their mind

Abdulrahman | 14 years ago | Reply With story like this, am not surprise at the poor worldwide humanitarian reaction to the monumental disaster of uneven proportion. Pakistani people and Government Wake Up! Seek God forgivess!

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Bushra | 14 years ago | Reply As sad as this story is, and as discouraged as I am with the people and the government of Pakistan, I have come to the conclusion that only prayer will work at this point in time. I pray that God Almighty in all His Benevolence forgives these people and that their eyes, ears and hearts are opened up to their mistakes and they start to repent truly. Only then can we hope for a future for this country that we cannot help but love. In the meanwhile we will keep on helping our fellow countrymen whether they help us in return or not. Peace!

Bilal | 14 years ago | Reply watch this 'nation' parish under the burden of its sins. History shows such people don't deserve and wont survive due to very long list of its unrepentant sins. Just watch!

tauseef | 14 years ago | Reply Why worry? This is the kind of ideology that has been fed to us by the molvi's and the educated alike of this land. I'm not surprised, I've left these people to their fate. We don't realize that a whole generation has been brainwashed with extremist ideology.On top of that when there is such shortage of resources to feed people, this is the same outcome that I expect. Having said all that, I just hope that the report is incorrect. Let's hope against hope.

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