From survivors to victims
Those who have survived terror attacks need more attention than we think they do
By Dr Noman Ahmed
On the occasion of Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary, many voices of the directly affected people from terror attacks were heard once again. Households who lost bread-earners were a special mention. Most of them were asking the government to generate sustainable means for generating daily livelihood. And these pleas are not limited to this tragic episode alone.
Incidents of terror have left thousands dead, tens of thousands maimed, and hundreds of thousands directly affected in many ways. Direct social and economic outcomes include loss of bread-earners in extended families, loss of spouses, rise in the number of widows and orphans, destruction of houses and means of livelihoods, and physical and mental disabilities.
Many school-going children have been forced to discontinue their education due to the inability to bear the expenses. Several people had to abandon their house as they could not afford rents. Those who suffered serious injuries or lost a limb are also at the receiving end. In this situation, an effective policy is urgently needed to socially, economically, and psychologically rehabilitate the affected people. The most affected districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be priority areas followed by other affected areas.
The foremost requirement is the preparation of an accurate database of affected populations. A desk review of media reports about terror damages can be the starting point. Thanks to the multiple sources of print and electronic media, an effective way for baseline information can be called in to devise a strategy for swift documentation of individuals. The assignment shall demand creation of multiple layers of information about household characteristics, minors, original places of residence, and changes in the family status, etc.
This baseline information must be made a basis for developing need-based incentives for the target population. For instance, in places where widows and orphans are in large numbers, emphasis must be laid on skill development amongst women to earn a decent living. The contours of rehabilitation programme need to take into account cultural and religious sensitivities associated with the people. Orphans can be supported in a wide variety of ways. Concepts of gender-based orphanages under the supervision of trained managers may be promoted. There are many non-governmental organisations and welfare agencies that have significant experience of working in various locations. They deem basic facilitation and policy support from the government to launch their initiatives under a speedy approach.
Creation of opportunities for quality education and their protection is a foremost requirement. Incidents have shown that terrorists consider modern education as their biggest enemy. Hundreds of school buildings have been partly or completely destroyed whereas many school teachers have been murdered in cold blood. It is obvious that spread of modern education makes the most tenacious defense line against terrorism.
A multi-pronged strategy is required in the prevailing circumstances. Educational institutions must become recipients of generous governmental subsidy. Public schools and colleges must be reconstructed after fulfilling security pre-requisites. Educational activities should be revived with assistance from the local communities and reinforcement from governmental institutions. There are many non-governmental outfits that have credible record and experience in managing formal education.
The Citizens Foundation (TCF) is one example. It has begun its operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 2008. It will be most useful if TCF and similar institutions are assisted in taking up the task of setting up schools in terror-hit areas. These networks can also be entrusted the responsibility of teachers training. For involving local communities, endowments should be created under the trusteeship of area elders after careful scrutiny.
Allies in war on terror can be called in for help on this count. Exclusive institutions can be set up with active assistance and collaboration of United States Educational Foundation, British Council, and similar bodies after proper preparation and effective negotiation for collaboration. Friendly Muslim countries may also be invited to contribute in this social rebuilding task. Benefits of military operation will not be fully utilised until and unless affectees of terrorism are given the hope of a bright future. This feat cannot be achieved without imparting quality education.
Threats and consequences of terrorism can be turned into opportunities of action in some sectors. Healthcare is the most important. Public sector healthcare facilities have performed exceptionally well in minimizing the agonies and trauma of such heinous acts, their meager resources and capacities notwithstanding. However, many targeted measures still wait to be launched. Monetary and insurance incentives must be extended to those medical practitioners and paramedical staff who have served under most adverse circumstances. Certain units and fields of specialisation must be bolstered. Burns units and trauma care are two mentions.
Blast victims suffer from burn injuries of very serious nature. In many cases, other complications evolve due to limited facilities. Public healthcare institutions must be bolstered to develop and equip such facilities on an emergency basis. A district wise strategy must be worked out to consolidate district headquarter hospitals in terror-affected areas. Charsadda, Mardan, Noshehra, Dera Ismail Khan, and other districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa require immediate action.
Psychological treatment to mitigate the effects of trauma is also an important task. Disillusioned youth and the destitute can become instant fodder for the nefarious designs of terror planners. There are many social and economic options that are already available. Nationwide initiatives such as Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme, and micro finance institutions have many support options that can extend help to different sub-groups in target areas.