“Do not cry for your father because now it is you who has to be the responsible one.”
These were the words spoken to Samiulla at his father’s funeral. In 2009, a bomb blast killed his father. In the blast, 137 people were killed and Samiulla was left to provide for his family.
As the oldest in the family, Samiulla spends his days running a store in the local market. He wakes up early and returns home late at night.
He had to give up his dream of going to school.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Videographer Khurrum M Sultan captures this sad story, all too common in Pakistan.
He hopes that by telling the story of Samiulla, children in the region will soon be able to live free from terror and fear.
Global Survivors Network has more details on the victims and those left behind from the many bomb attacks on civilians, often targeting public servants in Pakistan.
This film was produced with the support of Open Society Foundations.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
This film is part of Pakistan Calling, www.thersa.org/pkcalling a UK and Pakistan project by www.thersa.org and thesamosa.co.uk please visit www.thersa.org/pkcalling for more films on Pakistani civil society organisations, social entrepreneurs and individuals www.thersa.org/pkcalling - The RSA and The Samosa launched www.thersa.org/pkcalling to promote constructive cross-cultural dialogue between Britain and Pakistan. Show your support by watching the film
COMMENTS (9)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Truth Why dont you prove the existance of God for us common folk, O Leterate One
shazaib: what a strange, illeterate comment.
May Allah help him. Thank you ET for publishing this.
That's so sad! Poor boy, we have so many blessings of Allah yet we're not thankful! :'(
@shazaib: The God is calling with His loudest voice at this time. Why are you not listening? Turning a deaf ear to the callings is your mistake not His!!
This is a heart wrenching story a little boy who should be in school instead of working to make a living not only for himself but his whole family. Is this not a familiar story? We read this and move on. Should we all not pause and reflect that terrorists have caused havocs on millions of lives in Pakistan. It is reported that over 49,000 Pakistanis have been killed in terrorist attacks all over Pakistan. A strong anti-terror message was sent to the terrorists recently when Pakistanis were warned by terrorist not to go out and vote as they will be targeted and attacked. But despite warnings, an unprecedented number of Pakistanis came out and voted thus rejected the terrorists warnings altogether. This should be a strong signal to the enemies of humanity that we will not stand anymore for your brutalities. Our children are our future and we will protect them from the kind of life that will keep them away from their books to provide for their families at a tender age.
Abdul Quddus DET-United States Central Command
@shazaib: Did God ask us to turn a blind eye towards growing threat of terrorism? As you sow, so shall you reap.
so sad,sometimes i doubt the existance of god