Displaced and Impacted People of Malakand Operation

As of 05/15, I have collected and/or pledges/commitments of about $2,000. My brother has been saving for his car so requested him to use his savings for now and I will send him the money in 2-3 weeks.

My father went to Peshawar and Swabi on 05/15-16 and will go to Mardan, Takht Bhai, and Sher Garh camps tomorrow 05/17. So far he distributed about $2,000. I will send a complete list of the recipients (names, addresses, and phone #s) to the doners in 2-3 days (my father is still on the road). So far he has been helping people in the following categaries:

1. Families hosting refuges (to help with the cost of feeding them)

2. Families living in rental houses or accomodation provided by local people. These people normally don't get free food (i.e. given to people in the camps)

3. Families that we know or my father comes across during his visit in shelters

Another categary just mentioned by my father over the phone is elderly people and others getting sick in the shelters and that need immediate medical attention. e.g. a person we know from a nearby village got a heart attack in the shelter. He needs immediate help as well.

I will send a complete break down to the doners.

I am requesting the doners to send me their preferences and ideas. So far, I have given decision power to my father as he can better judge situation on the ground. Initially we were thinking to also purchase foams and pillows for the elderly people in the shelter but when my father discussed the idea with the people, the conclusion was to use all funds for food only. The cost of food is way too high and people have already run out of money.

The idea came from my brother based in Islamabad. We normally take out Zakat during Ramadan but this year we took it out ahead of time as it is the need of the day.

You may donate your Zakat on static items like gold, jewelary etc. But if you do, please send me an email and mention that it is Zakat so it can be given and mentioned to deserving people in shelters.

Most of you may know about the Army Operation being conducted in Malakand Division by the Pak Army. I have been in contact with my family and friends in the area and for the first time we have seen indications that this time the army is serious in getting rid of Taliban.

Though this brings a sigh of relief to the oppressed people of Malakand, unfortunately, it has resulted into large scale displacement of a million plus people. My own extended family is lucky enough to find shelters here and there. However, not everyone is that lucky. I personally know many families in my hometown that simply can not afford to go south.

I am trying to raise funds for such less fortunate people. I am planning to have my father visit the impacted people and distribute the funds. If you would like to take this opportunity and help contribute, I will really appreciate. I will pass back the information about the families (if possible, contact numbers as well) that receive your donations.

Please click below to donate. My goal is to raise at least $5,000 by June 10:

http://malakand.chipin.com/displaced-and-impacted-people-of-malakand-operation

If you can't contribute right away but are willing to pledge at this time, I will add to the funds from my pocket. You may later send your pledges to me directly or via the page above.

Let us raise enough funds to help few families find shelter and food for their kids. They are making great sacrifices to defend Pakistan.