Many of the three million people displaced by the violence in north-west Pakistan have started to go back home but it is estimated that more than one million are still displaced and living with host families and in camps in Mardan and Swabi.
As the weeks have passed, the situation for these people has continued to deteriorate with the spread of diseases and shortages of food. Those who are still displaced fear that they will spend the entire month of Ramadan and the day of Eid away from their homes.
We were not rich, but happy
32-year-old Bashir Iqbal has spent the last three months sharing a room at the Rustam Civil Hospital with 16 members of his family. He desperately wanted to go back to his home in Swat before the start of Ramadan but was frightened about what he would find when he returned.
“My life before all this started was peaceful and comfortable. We had some financial problems but nothing compared to the problems we are faced with now,” Bashir said.
“Back home in Kokarai in Swat my brother and I took over our father’s land after he became ill, and we grew wheat, maize and vegetables. We weren’t rich but we were happy.”
Waiting to return home
“At the start of the military operations our village was safe and life continued as normal, but then things deteriorated rapidly and we were left with no choice but to leave. When the curfew was lifted one day we seized the moment and decided to leave.”
“Once we got Rustam we had nothing; no food, no work and no way to earn a living. We faced a daily struggle to get enough food,” he said. “Since we first arrived here we have been hoping to be able to return to Swat. We have been told that the situation has improved slightly but life is not how it used to be. The government has promised us transportation back to our village and we are waiting for that so we can go back home.”
Food shortages in Ramadan
Bashir said, “Wherever we are we know that this Ramadan will not be like that of years before. We used to have so much food for iftar that we were able to give food to those who had nothing. This year I won’t be able to give food to any poor people because I am one them. I cannot believe it has come to this.”
“I am worried about how and where I will get food in Ramadan as we are totally reliant on aid agencies,” he said. “Even if we go back home the situation will not be much better as most of the shops and businesses are closed and we lost our last harvest, so what can we do?”
“I used to own six sheep but sold three before I left my village. I left the other three behind and have no idea what happened to them. These animals were a major investment for me and my family, but now we have nothing left to show for it. As well as food my family and I really need help to be able to restart our business so that we can improve our lives.”
‘Will there be any joy this Eid?’
“On Eid we normally buy new clothes, cook lots of different foods, distribute sweets and share the joy of the day with everyone. But this Eid will be different,” Bashir said. “We have been through so much pain and difficulties and have lost so much that I wonder whether there will be any joy at all this Eid.”
Islamic Relief is still working with those displaced by the violence in north-west Pakistan. With your help we are providing healthcare, water and sanitation services, education and psychosocial support to thousands of displaced people and local families in Mardan. We are also planning to begin work in Buner, helping those who have returned to rebuild their lives.
This may be the most difficult Ramadan that the people of this region have ever had to face. We can help ease their suffering. Click here to donate.