A migration of my people, from fear to where?

It was inevitable, yet it's so disturbing. The humanitarian suffering of this offensive against the Taliban is huge, to put it mildly. We all knew in our hearts that people will try to move to safer areas, but suchan influx of people out of Swat, Dir and BUner! It's staggering. These people have ;left their homes, cattle, standing crops, some even their children, in short everything they ever strived for in their life, behind.....They have moved out of fear, amid intense shelling, gunfire and curfews, to safety. Yet, what awaits them? Can Pakistan really cope with this crisis?

It's true the arrangements could have been much better. It's true that the Government, after having had loads of experincing in hosting so many millions of Afghanis for three decades, should have known better, but it is to ask for too much. The Government cannot cope individually, unless the international aid agencies and most of all, the people of Pakistan come out.

We have seen the generosity of spirit the people showed during the 2005 earthquake. This problem of the IDP's (internally displaced people) is on the same scale and requires as much, if not more. These refugees within their own lands are proud people, yet they need our help. We must assist them without compromising on their pride and customs, their honor and dignity. They are our own people. They deserve our love and support. It's heartrending to see their plight. O God, what's the world coming to?

This is the largest migration of people in Pakistan since partition in 1947 and it requires the same spirit.....These people are emulating what Muslims did 14 centuries ago when they migrated from Mecca to Medina, to escape the cruelties of the Quresh.....God has put them through suffering to check their patience and our generosity...They are the Mohajirs,so when are we going to become the Ansar?

I wish I could do something, with my hands, physically, to lighten their burden in some way. I hope this conflict ends soon and people can go back to their homes and live in peace. God save Pakistan