Paradise Lost

Sawat, a valley of unparalleled natural beauty has been the pride of Pakistan. People from all over the world travel to the region for its beauteous high mountains and foaming, flowing rivers. The charms of the land are accentuated by the people whose hospitality is as legendary as the beauty of their land.

Comfort, solace and tranquility was what attracted people from far and wide to the valley. The smiling faces that healed and the hands that were always ready to help were the hallmarks of the area.

Now, these very people have been caught in the midst of a war, where sitting at the brink they are waiting to watch what pattern of life will emerge for them. In the cross-fire between the Pakistan Army and the Taliban, they have become hostages, with a deep suspicion of everything and everyone. With no sense whatsoever of who is standing beside them, and who is against them.

Branded as IDPs the world needs to understand that they are not just Internally Displaced Persons but individuals like you and I with families just like ours, looking at a bleak future where their homes will most probably be razed to the ground when they return. They are suspicious of everything and everyone. The people who provided a carefree and joyous experience to all tourists are today suffering from depression and anxiety. Their thoughts are in a muddle as to who is the one responsible for their plights.

In order to prevent their negative emotions from multiplying and fermenting, an intense counseling effort is required so that the people, who are now the victims, do not turn into the perpetrators. Help HDF put their minds at ease; help us show them that they are not alone.