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In the wake of the current humanitarian crisis in Pakistan's Swat Valley, the Pakistani Women's Association (PWA) in Bahrain is undertaking a series of activities with the aim to raise funds and awareness for the plight of the displaced.
Almost 2.5 million people from the country's North West Frontier Province have had to flee their homes due to ongoing unrest in the region as intensive fighting takes place between government troops and Taliban fighters.
Mary Ahmed, the association's president, said: "PWA wants to thank its patrons and donors who over the years have been consistently generous with their support and now makes an ardent appeal for donations for this worthy cause."
Of these displaced persons, a mere 10 per cent have been settled into refugee camps, whereas the rest are huddled up with friends, families and even strangers all over Pakistan facing harsh living conditions.
It is believed there are up to 60-70 people living in one-bedroom houses. The UN has termed this displacement the highest in the region since Partition in 1947 and second only to the Rwandan crisis.
To make matters worse, the families fleeing the battleground who are used to cool climates of the mountains now have to face the sweltering heat of the plains without adequate facilities.
The elderly and younger children are the most affected by lack of proper food and shelter as well as inadequate medical and sanitation facilities. It is estimated that the displaced people include more than 600,000 expectant mothers, some of whom are due to deliver in the next two months; however the relevant medical care is almost non-existent.
In addition to supporting local charities and needy individuals, around the year, through various cultural and social events, PWA has a track record for coming through in the face of humanitarian crises.
Aid was sent for Tsunami victims and to Lebanon thereafter. In the more recent past, in support of the earthquake that hit Pakistan in 2005-2006, funds raised have helped build an earthquake-proof school in the calamity-struck area.
This year, PWA contributed towards the Gaza situation by 'adopting' orphans for a year in addition to having donated wheelchairs earlier.
PWA has the honour of being the only women's charitable organisation to have received the Medal of Altruism from the Government of Pakistan.
The current spate of activities for Swat crisis will include a Charity Dinner this Friday fund-raising activities in schools and a contribute-through-SMS service.
For more information regarding the above activities, please contact Rabia Baig on 39740084 and regarding donations, Ayesha Khan on 36700371.
