Let's Surp(Rise) the world Again!

Despite all the reigning chaos, anarchy and restlessness, there is no dearth of latent spirit of nationhood that simmers in the hearts and souls of the majority of the Pakistanis. No amount of exploitation_ social, economic, political or religious_, the designs to divide the nation into ethnic and sectarian groups or propaganda has so far been able to achieve the ultimate underlying ignoble objectives.

A lot of damage has been done. We stand divided, bruised and deeply fissured. As a nation, we have lost focus and are relegated to a bunch of unorganized and motley crowd devoid of all bonding, unity and interlocking. Tolerance, sense of brotherhood and mutual respect have become the hallmarks of the past and attributes of the earlier generations.

In spite of all the apathy and overwhelming sense of dis-ownership prevalent in the ranks of our society, it is mind-blowing and comes as nothing less than a pleasant surprise, the enormous proportions of dynamic response a displaced stimulus has the potential to trigger even today. The spirits sore and the minds gel. Jagged boundaries diminish and fade for once as the paradigm shifts momentarily. A compassionate rally round the flag effect is generated bringing the whole nation to one cause or a standpoint.

Remember October 05 earthquake and its catastrophic impact? By any standards, it was an event of a recent past _A devastation of the scale that left millions dead, handicapped, homeless or stranded. However, from Khyber to Karachi, the mobility and enthusiasm it infused and the passion it sparked as an immediate aftermath was enviable. People from all walks of life took upon themselves and rushed to the troubled land and initiated large scale and diverse efforts to rehabilitate the natives. Volunteers worked day in and day out without any regard for recognition or reward.

The destruction was massive but what mattered was the apparent change of mindset and the amount of selfless efforts that were poured in. International media was taken aback as everyone witnessed unprecedented quantum of philanthropic contributions going into the mainstream.

Today, while I watch the heavenly mountains and valleys of Swat bleed, I realize it is time to stage a similar show. If anything, the realization has to come from within. It has to be self propelled and self initiated. The factors causing the cataclysm are entirely dissimilar but the effects are going to be not much different. The number of displaced population is going to pile up. People are dying, sustaining injuries, suffering and losing their homes, properties and means of sustenance. Term them refugees or IDPs, it is immaterial. They need shelter and support as well as means to survive. Least of all, they are going to need food, water, medicines and clothing.

It is such a pity just to imagine that the piece of land as charming and serene as Swat inherently possessing humungous potential for tourism, trekking and mountaineering is blazing to say the least. A treasured valley exuding romance and tranquility from its very core, a land of most hospitable and adorable people, remains inaccessible even to its natives. Amongst many, Swat is invariably one of the most picturesque strips of land, naturally gifted with unmatched potential to promote tourism and earn considerable foreign exchange and generate economic activity. No wonder enthusiasts like Isobell and Ben Shaw have been wandering in these lands for years to explore their enriched diversity and uniqueness.

Speaking of diversity, Swat boasts of a wide range of spectrum. White marble Palace at Marghazar and the golf course at Kabal were( and I hope still are ) a delight to watch. Museum displaying sculptures of Gandhara and archeological sites of Butkara sparked a lot of interest.

Of course it is the winding river bisecting the lush green fields, verdant meadows and valleys, the amazing highlands and the beautiful lakes and monstrous passes for which the place is known for. Hatcheries, trout farms and fishing resorts were focal points inviting interest of a few. Places like Maydan, Bahrain and Mian Dam have their own place but perhaps the real beauty lies in the heavens of Malm Jaba, Kalam, Ushu , Aabshaar, Utror , Matiltaan and Mahoodant lake.

While the land is stripped of its immense beauty and the people are forced to cease their homeland, there is no excuse. The implications in the long term and impact in the short term are likely to produce a lot of shock waves. The damage has been done. There are no two ways about it. All we can do now is to explore the means to minimize the extent of catastrophic damage and likely repercussions. Neither counting the displaced (or watching them on screens and papers) help nor does just praying. It is time for action again; Time to put in sincere coordinated self triggered efforts; Time to make our little bit contribution in any possible manner that is likely to make a huge difference.

While I skim through various print and virtual pages, I find some of the donors and volunteers drifting into action. But it needs a lot more to build a momentum and create a snowball effect. Let’s spring into action and join the bandwagon for our own sake! Guys it is time for some serious work and execution again and it is easier said than done!

If I quote Iqbal correctly here ?

Zara Num ho to yeh matti bari zarkhez hai khaki…..

The eyes are already damp. Let’s seize the opportunity and extract the oozing fertility.