Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – The Pontifical Mission Societies Office in Pakistan has launched and awareness building and aid campaign to assist displaced families in the region of Swat Valley. The PMS are collecting funds to help the more than two million persons displaced from North West Frontier Province of Pakistan due to fighting between the army and Taliaban militia.
Following an appeal by the Catholic Bishops of Pakistan, who called on the faithful to mobilise for humanitarian assistance, the local PMS office, directed by Fr. Mario Rodrigues, have asked parishes and church associations to make special collections to assist the victims of the emergency which is affecting the whole country.
Children and young people are helping to collect funds. Carrying special boxes they encourage adults to help these people in difficult situation.
This activity of the PMS flanks continued efforts by the local Catholic Church (see Fides 10/6/2009). Pakistan Catholics are pooling resources, experience and capacity to meet the needs of the dramatic situation of the displaced persons. The local authorities in collaboration with NGOs have opened total number of 27 camps in six different districts of Swat Valley. Christian volunteers assist all the refugees, the majority of whom are Muslims making no distinction with regard creed or origin. The displaced persons include some of the 100,000 Christians living in North West Frontier Province. Commitment for assistance has spread to the principal cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi, affected by the flux of refugees. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/6/2009 righe 25 parole 253)
