10 Things you can do for Pakistan this winter

1. Make Dua

Ramadan is coming up and it's the month not only of charity and fasting but also of Dua (supplication).

There is no power or ability except with God. Make Dua (pray) for the people of Pakistan. May Allah protect them from further civil unrest. May He help them assist their Afghan brethren fleeing the US bombing of their country.

May Allah bring peace, justice and forgiveness to this land ravaged for so long by civil unrest, economic turmoil and injustice. May He make Pakistan's children better than their parents. May Allah unite them with truth so they can help each other build their lives.

2. Support the victims of the tragedy with your money

About $1 billion was collected for the victims of the September 11 tragedy. But for millions of Afghans who are starving and dying, only about $500,000 has been raised.

According to the United Nations, at least four million women and children are at risk of hunger and starvation in Afghanistan. A severe winter is fast approaching.

One of the most important organizations helping the Afghan refugees is the Pakistani Red Crescent Society. They are on the frontlines of this war, helping those fleeing the bombs and bullets. Donate generously to them or other similar organizations who are working to alleviate the pain and suffering of these innocent civilians.

3. Volunteer with the Pakistani Red Crescent Society

http://www.prcs.org.pk/

As mentioned above, this organization is on the front lines in helping Afghan refugees fleeing US bombs and bullets in Afghanistan. If you have the time, get in touch with them and offer to help out. If you are a medical professional, your skills will be very much appreciated, but the more helping hands the better.

Or if you cannot do this, encourage family and friends and Pakistan, who have easier access, to get involved in this urgent effort.

4. Send money to a poor family for Eid

While Eid is supposed to be a happy occasion for Muslims, those in war-torn lands don't experience that way. If you can, arrange to send money to a poor family specifically for Eid, so that the children and parents can have new clothes, maybe some more food than usual or sweets to celebrate, despite their depressing condition.

5. Commit to support one of HDF's long-term projects

While it's always important to contribute to emergency relief funds and for individuals' short-term needs, a project that has long-term positive repercussions is just as necessary.

That's why you should try to devote a portion of your money for a specific project of the Human Development Foundation of North America in Pakistan. It could be to build a well, support a school or some other initiative that is making a positive difference in the lives of those with so little.

6. Educate your neighbors, classmates, etc. about Pakistan.

A few months ago, you could have mentioned to someone that you're from Pakistan and they would have no idea what you were talking about. Today, Americans are more familiar with the country due to the current bombing of Afghanistan. World famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey even interviewed Pakistan's ambassador to the US, Maleeha Lodhi, during her show entitled "Islam 101" recently.

That means you have a great opportunity to teach others more about Pakistan. In class, you can do a presentation about some relevant aspect of Pakistan, whether it's about politics, economics, or just a general overview of the country. You can also talk to neighbors about your concern relatives who live in Pakistan in the current crisis. You can even share Pakistani food (hold the spices though) with them, especially in Ramadan.

7. Visit Pakistan

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, US president George W. Bush advised Americans to go out and spend their money. This was important advice at a time when the American economy is faltering and people are very scared. The same advice needs to be heeded by Pak-Americans when it comes to Pakistan.

Pakistan too, has a faltering economy and Pak-Americans are in a unique position to help.

While there has been harassment at airports, most Pak-Americans who have traveled since September 11, traveling have had relatively few problems. Make sure to fly with Pakistan International Airlines if you can.

Also, while safety may be an issue in a number of cities, especially those near the border of Afghanistan, this is not the case with places like Karachi and Lahore, which are now relatively peaceful.

By visiting Pakistan, not only will you be able to touch base with relatives and friends, but you can also look into some investment opportunities there. Pakistan is in critical need of support of its ex-patriots and by spending money there on a long-term basis, you can help boost the economy in at least a small way.

8. Educate yourself about Pakistan.

This is a great opportunity to educate yourself and your family about Pakistan's more detailed aspects. Beyond the basics, there is much to consider historically and politically about the country, especially in the current crisis.

Pick a topic of interest and read up on it. Make notes and write and article about it so you can retain what you've learned. For instance, Pakistan's nuclear program has attracted a lot of attention in the past, but even more so in the last few weeks. Find out who started it and why, how it affects the current situation and why other countries are weary of Pakistan's nuclear prowess.

Or you can research the Afghan refugee presence in Pakistan. Why did Afghans begin coming to Pakistan? Did they fully integrate? Did they try to return? How are they treated in Pakistan compared to refugees in other countries?

9. Establish a Pak-American organization in your city

Establish an organization in your city, on campus, or just among friends to educate yourself and others about your Pakistani heritage and culture. You can also use this group as a forum to mobilize local Pak-Americans to work on beneficial projects to help those in need in Pakistan.

10. Keep up to date on what's happening in Pakistan

Information gives us the power to make a real difference. That's why it's necessary to know what exactly is going on in Pakistan.

Your local newspaper will rarely cover Pakistan, except in relation to the current crisis in Afghanistan. That's why you need to find good sources of news that can identify clearly the needs and problems of fellow Pakistanis. By following the news on a daily or at least weekly basis, you'll have a better understanding of how you and your family can really help Pakistan.