To All Those From Swat Valley

[Zayam]

Salama-laikum My Swat Friends!

I have been struggling a bit lately with getting questions answered and getting accurate information.

Those of you who are either in Swat or have a very good knowledge of Swat, what do you think the greatest needs are there at this point in time?

Most Sincerely,
Zayam

[emkhan]

Electricity

[Janana]

I asked this to my friend in Alamganj, she said staple food items (rice, beans, sugar, flour, etc) at an affordable price.

[Zayam]

Solar Power

Electricity

I know that the basics might be a bit expensive, but why is it that I never saw any solar energy in Pakistan, it seems the perfect country for solar power????

Zayam

[emkhan]

I know that the basics might be a bit expensive, but why is it that I never saw any solar energy in Pakistan, it seems the perfect country for solar power????

Zayam

Production of solar energy is very expensive. Pakistan can't afford it. But Pakistan has abundance of energy resources. The problem is there is no good management.

[emkhan]

I asked this to my friend in Alamganj, she said staple food items (rice, beans, sugar, flour, etc) at an affordable price.

Alamganj ????????? wow its my neighbour village Lol. I am glad to here this name.

[Catya Sher]

Zayam,
Are you continuing with your fundraiser for Swat project
it sounds like ?

Good for you for soliciting advice from those who may know absolutely the best information about TRUE local needs.

Never rely on US analyses : they are always far off base and out of touch with reality.

[emkhan]

They don't need anything except electricity. Electricity is the biggest problem

[Catya Sher]

What can she do to further the electrification project ?
Maybe she could meet with and badger some
officials in Islamabad ?!!

They will not be able to say "no" to
a determined woman - let's hope
charm will prevail where other ways have failed !

Also the electrification should be done
really well ; not sloppily so it will
have to be overhauled in a few years.

So - if that's what the people there need and want
then that is what should be addressed first
and foremost, right?

[emkhan]

What can she do to further the electrification project ?
Maybe she could meet with and badger some
officials in Islamabad ?!!

They will not be able to say "no" to
a determined woman - let's hope
charm will prevail where other ways have failed !

Also the electrification should be done
really well ; not sloppily so it will
have to be overhauled in a few years.

So - if that's what the people there need and want
then that is what should be addressed first
and foremost, right?

Load shedding is the problem of the whole country. No one can solve it except the govt and the govt is not willing to solve it. The top management is worst.

[Zayam]

Yes, Catya-

I continue with my calling. Actually I am in the process of updating our website, which hasn't been updated in at least 2 + years. It drives me crazy to ask questions and not get answers, not meaning here on the forum, but with elsewhere. For example the page on our website, "Rural Pakistan" I wanted to be accurate for 2011...anyone here have better statistics for this page? The website is The Roshni Centre for Women - Welcome I do like to be as correct as possible.

I have been supporting this project mainly through my Bake Sales and raffle tickets for Pakistani gifts. Speaking of which, I have to go back to the kitchen....have a Bake sale tomorrow on the 4TH of July!

[Master Khan]

what Swat needs is to rebuild itself and get rid of Pak Army, Pakistaniyat and all these damtub and they can live in peace then.

[Janana]

Alamganj ????????? wow its my neighbour village Lol. I am glad to here this name.

Hehe nice! She goes back and forth between Alamganj and Kanju. I've never been there myself, InshaAllah this fall when I go!

[Catya Sher]

I was just looking at the Roshni website.
Yes it does need updating - that would help it appear quite current.

But it's nicely done.

Here is one passage which conveys some of the spirit of the organization
and local Swat customs of generosity :
"Nadia Scarves

It was the dream of Nadia to have a women’s centre in her rural village of Pakistan, where women could get out of their homes, meet with other women, and learn some skills that would help them economically.

She spoke to her sister-in-law, Rabia, about her dream. When Rabia was getting ready to head to the U.S. to share the unique items she had found in Pakistan, Nadia walked into the room with a beautiful new beaded shawl on.

When Rabia said that she would like to get some of these to share, Nadia smiled and simply took off her new shawl and handed it to Rabia, and said: "I am honored that you like it, now it is yours."

The "Nadia" scarf offers the women of the mountains of rural Pakistan a way to share their beadwork with us. In buying these scarves, that look beautiful draped around your shoulders, giving off light or as a table runner, you help give hope to women of this poor, war-torn village.

100% of the profit from these scarves returns to the women of Pakistan.

Roshni is an Urdu word meaning "light". Wear the light and help spread it! "

[afghan]

zayam sound sincere but i dont believe he can do much. there are some issues he is facing that is because he is unaware of real situation that causes the problem in swat. not many people will donate in the name of pakistan. the roshni center propagating pakistnyat.

there should be l agenda. there are no real educational and sport for the youth. health is big issue hospitals are crowded, dispensaries have no real doctors. the people are afraid of the army so badly that if they raise their voice their women will be targetted. the army has to leave.