The beautiful Swat valley, commonly referred to as “Heaven on earth” by tourists from across the globe became a haven of extremism when Taliban stormed in from all corners and jeopardized the life of a common man. Statistics indicated an unprecendented internal displacement of nearly 3.5 Million people. The lush green moutainous valley converted into a warzone.
The sudden displacement turned into a national tragedy, which became a mammoth challenge for Government to handle. Disasters like this, test the character of a nation. Pakistan was in need and Pakistanis stood up once again. Passionate youth from all parts of the country decided to move forward to greet our calamity-stricken brethren. One such organization, which stood up to help their countrymen in need was PAKISTAN YOUTH ALLIANCE.
PYA, the brainchild of Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi, was formed during the Emergency rule with the sole purpose of providing the youth with a platform, to voice their opinions about issues at national level. But this time, they didnot have time to protest or hold a rally, they saw 35 lakh people needed material help more than mere emotional support so they started to fundraise for Swat affectees on the streets. Interesting to note here is that, these kids saw a national tradegy unfolding long before anyone else did. Their swat relief campaign started in mid of Feburary, 2009.
Unlike others who just make promises and change their stance when the real test arrives, PYA volunteers promised to work for their Swati brothers and sisters until they go back to their homes. Donation camps were setup throughout the country. Belonging to different fields of life, these patriotic youth vowed to fundraise for the entire week and make the delivery every Sunday. Students after school and office-going youth after office hours, volunteered theirselves to beg for their countrymen.
The chain of weekly relief efforts kickstarted in Bahria town Islamabad and first delivery was made within 24 hrs of holding a donation camp. People on the streets had never seen youth, apparently from the apathetic elite begging for such a cause before. They trusted them more than known NGO’s and started donating in large amounts. The process of collecting funds and delivering the relief items to IDP’s in Mardan, Swabi and adjoining areas continued for 9 weeks. The last delivery was made in Swat when no relief organization dared to travel there. Delivered items included beddings, utensils, ration packs, clothings, water coolers, electric fans, matteresses, toys, mosquito repellants and medicines of worth 35 lakh Rupees.
The work of PYA was acknowledged by people from all walks of life including national and international media so much so, that a BBC team travelled to Pakistan to make a documentary on them. In midst of this national tragedy, optimists saw light at the end of the tunnel. Youth of Pakistan is awake and it will serve the country, through sweat and blood whenever the need arises.
Like Iqbal said:
Ways of world have changed
Tune is new, instruments have changed;
Free your mind from mental slavery
Make the young, masters of the old.
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