Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – In the spirit of Mother Teresa, placing themselves at the service of “the poorest of the poor,” the Missionaries of Charity in Pakistan have responded to the humanitarian crisis of the refugees in the Swat Valley, which continue to enter in droves into the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi (see Fides 13/5/2009).
According to information sent to Fides from the local Church, the religious have traveled to one of the make-shift camps in the Islamabad area, in a non-urbanized area, but that is in fact in the heart of the city. There, they have found extremely difficult conditions: “There were 39 families with nothing, in indescribable conditions. Without water, food, tents, or beds. They were tired after their long journey and slept on the ground. They do not even have the minimum needed to live on,” the Sisters told Fides. “There are many children that suffer from malnutrition and disease. We are trying to provide food and clothing and we have called several doctors to come and examine the sick. They are in need of immediate assistance and are at risk of dying from fatigue, hunger, and thirst,” the religious said.
The local Church in Islamabad and Rawalpindi is making efforts to contribute as well, and many are calling upon civil authorities to offer emergency aid in response to the crisis in the two cities.
The refugees come from the Swat Valley, where fighting continues to take place between Pakistani soldiers and the Taliban. They have traveled to these two large Pakistani cities close to the area. At least 2,000 families are living in 8 makeshift refugee camps in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi vicinity. The situation has reached the point of a humanitarian crisis. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2009)
