Joseph Colony rehabilitation: ‘Why are we being photographed?’

Residents appreciate Punjab govt’s efforts but wonder about federal’s promises.

LAHORE:

“I don’t understand why those who come to give aid need to photograph us, said Joseph Colony resident Arif Masih on Thursday. Masih’s house was one of the 112 houses that were burned by rioters on Saturday.

The city government had placed residents in camps. NGOs and the city government are providing food in the camps. Mobile health care teams are also present. The police is monitoring the area.

Masih said he did not appreciate people photographing them as it seemed like it was making fun of their poverty. “Food should be given for humanitarian reasons not to show others what they are doing for us. We can’t even stop people from photographing us as we are scared that the charity might stop.”  He was thankful to the Punjab government, Alkhair and Alkhidmat Foundations for their support. He said the construction work was half way through and was hopeful it would be complete in a week.

Walls of many of the houses have been built. City government officials claim that it would only be a few more days before residents can be moved back in.

Resident Yousaf Bhatti said the Punjab Government had fulfilled its promise but the federal government had yet to give the compensation they had committed to. He said Mian Manzoor Wattoo, the PPP Punjab president and federal minister, had visited the area once and committed to Rs500,000 but they had no idea when the money was coming. “I am happy people are bringing us food but why are they photographing us?” He said that on Thursday they were also photographed by a group which was distributing Bibles.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2013.