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PAKISTAN Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Millions of Afghanis poured into Pakistan during the long Afghan-Russian war, which finally resulted in the success of the Taliban. The Taliban in exercise of the self defined Islamic Laws treated the people of Afghanistan with much brutality. These strict self defined Islamic Laws forced many more to leave this country and cross over to Iran and Pakistan. More Afghanis left their homeland and headed to neighbouring countries during the US military operations, insurgency by Taliban rebels, factional fighting and drought. The migration was very painful because these hungry and poverty-stricken people had to travel on foot through the mountains. Many a times they were pushed back by the border forces and many died on their way to a better living environment. Women and children suffered most. After reaching Pakistan, they were shifted to the Refugee Camps and some found their way into the cities. But as there was no strict policy of the Government of Pakistan, the Afghan refugees scattered all over Pakistan in search of food, shelter and better future. Many of them worked as labourers and the large majority of them started garbage picking. They would sell loads of garbage after sorting them out into different types. Some better off Afghanis would buy these items and sell them for recycling. An average person can earn up to Rs . 50/- per day. All male members including children even of the age of 5-6 would do the same job every day. The Lahore YMCA selected a small area in the suburbs of Lahore where about one hundred families of Afghan refugees are living in hand made tents - made of worn out pieces of cloth, used banners, and sheets of old plastics sown together. These refugees have tried to make these tents as comfortable as their resources would allow. This place was at one time a garbage dumping area but now buildings and recycling factories are coming up very rapidly. The Lahore YMCA installed six hand pumps to provide them clean drinking water. A small school was opened in a rented building where free books and stationery were provided to these children. A teacher supervises their studies. It is very difficult to teach this depressed community because they would rather send their children to go garbage picking and earn than have their children spend their time at school. However, the parents were repeatedly persuaded to send their children to school for their own benefit. A qualified Doctor was also appointed to provide medical aid and weekly check-up for the school children. After school, a feeding programme had been introduced to cover their nutritional deficiency. Recreational activities and games are also held so that the children experience healthy activities. The dedicated staff of the Lahore YMCA is actively involved with the lives and well being of these children. These children will grow up to be better human beings with at least some education which would be helpful in their future lives. We are thankful to the YMCA's of Japan for supporting this Project. Contact Person: |
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