June 18, 2009

Many mothers fled the conflict areas alone with their children. Obtaining relief items and other services has been difficult for many as they are not accompanied by their husbands and are culturally unaccustomed to leaving their homes.

Many mothers fled the conflict areas alone with their children. Obtaining relief items and other services has been difficult for many as they are not accompanied by their husbands and are culturally unaccustomed to leaving their homes. Being on their own in camps or host communities proves a challenging task for survival. Nazia Bibi, widowed during the Pakistan Army and Taliban militants recent fighting, recently told her story to Saadia Haq, of Church World Service.

"My name is Nazia Bibi. Since my birth, I have lived in Swat Valley, but due to the frightening situation because of the Taliban and the war, I had to run with my two younger children to Mardan two weeks ago. The shelling started, and my husband was killed in front of my eyes. Two of my elder sons were out of our home; I did not know what to do except to run with the younger children.

"The noises were so loud, that I felt my voice was lost. While running away, I got injured, both legs, but I knew that if I did not try to run, even after that painful accident, then I will meet the same fate as my husband.

"Allah knows how I got the courage to leave my dead husband behind. I hope some of our remaining people did perform his burial ceremony, but one thought remained--that I had to save the lives of my remaining family, and it took me four days to finally reach Mardan.

"Upon reaching Mardan, and looking at others, I became numb to all that was happening around me. So much suffering and the unshed tears for my husband and elder sons are deep somewhere inside my heart.

"I finally received proper food when CWS-P/A and Sungi team distributed it. I am very surprised that their distribution process also gave women a chance to get something for themselves, as in other distribution points, there are scuffles and men don't let women get near any relief items.

"At least for now, I won't have to worry for my children's food and the danger of going hungry, but I am skeptical because I don't want to go to the hospital and leave my daughter unattended. What if someone kidnaps her? Therefore, I am bearing the leg injures and just pray that the army will win the war against the Taliban, and we can go back and try looking for my missing sons.

"Although Saleem sahib (CWS-Pakistan/Afghanistan's Saleem Dominic) tells me that I should feel completely at ease, there is no danger in this camp, and I should go see a doctor, I am still thinking about it.

"Sister, please think; you are also a girl. Would you ever feel comfortable leaving your young sister or child behind? I can't be selfish right now; my children's safety is most important for me."

"All we (people of Swat) want is peace, restoration of stability in our land, and all the terrorists especially the Taliban to be removed so once more we can lead our lives with dignity in our own homeland. The Islam they are teaching us is not the right one, and we feared for a long time to save our lives; however, it has to end now."

How to help Church World Service is helping to provide food, shelter and medical care for displaced children and families in Pakistan. Contributions to support Church World Service emergency response and recovery efforts may be made online, by phone (800.297.1516), or sent to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, 212-870-2676 lcrosson@churchworldservice.org