Causecast

by Shams Kazi

Swat Valley. Before...

Pakistan’s citizens have risen up and taken action against the Taliban. The Pakistani military has also been gaining significant ground in it’s recent offensive against the Taliban. These are big strategic wins for both Pakistan and the US. However, Pakistanis have sacrificed a lot for these gains, and need our support.

The extremists have retaliated with a string of bombings targeting civilians including bombing the Pearl Continental Hotel in the city of Peshawar yesterday. 3 million people have fled the fighting in the picturesque Swat Valley, creating the world’s largest refugee crisis in recent history.

Obama’s recent speech in Cairo talked of a new partnership between the US and the Muslim world. It is important that we back up our words with action, and show our support for the civilians in Pakistan who have stood up to the Taliban.

Learn about the crisis, and think of creative ways to show your support.
• Talk to your friends, discuss the issue
• Write, blog, twitter, shout about the cause
• Donate online to Save the Children
• Text the word “swat” to 20222 – $5 donation to UNHCR in Swat Valley[1]

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Swat Valley. After...

Save the Children in Pakistan:

- Provides essential household and hygiene supplies (e.g. sleeping mats, water buckets, soap, toothbrushes, cooking supplies, eating utensils, etc.), and other services to more than 31,000 people, among them 18,300 children.

- Provides health outreach to 4,500 people with medical assistance through mobile teams of doctors (including female physicians) and support of government clinics with staffing and supplies.

- Established eight child-friendly spaces, benefitting 700 children, and will establish another 30 spaces over the next two weeks. Save the Children plans to reach 280,000 displaced people, including 168,000 children.

[1] US based mobile phones. One time donation will appear on your bill. Standard message rates & additional charges may apply.

Creative Commons photos via Wikimedia Commons and Al Jazeera English, flickr.

Save the Children