The difference between the public’s attitude for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the military operation and those previously displaced by earthquakes and floods in the past is easily apparent. Although the figures are equally alarming, we are yet to see people spring into action as we saw them do so effectively not too long back. We are, if anything, a charitable nation. And if never else, it is during national tragedies that we manage to unite and act. It’s not as if the general population is oblivious to the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis their country is facing today. We have seen the camps, we have seen the people living there, and we have seen them standing in long queues in the scorching heat waiting for food and water. Then, why is it that our reaction to all of this doesn’t even begin to show any understanding, empathy or sympathy on our part? Clearly, knowledge alone isn’t enough to prompt action.
Is it because the people in need of our help sound foreign and their tribal culture is either alien to us or we simply disapprove of it? Are they not Pakistani enough since they come from FATA which isn’t exactly mainstream? Do we resent them for ‘allowing’ terrorists to settle and operate from their areas which would be surprising because no one blames the people living in Punjab for ‘letting’ militants live and roam freely in the province? In any case, we are failing as a people.
The media doesn’t appear all that interested in running a campaign for the IDPs either. There are no marathon transmissions, and there is no Imran Khan on the screen raising funds like very few can. The government is ultimately responsible for mobilising everyone else, and it hasn’t done anything so far. People like helping. They want to be part of something big, like a nationwide campaign or a loud fundraiser. Who will start something on that scale, that others can wholeheartedly participate in?