Dear Sally and other URI brothers and sisters,

It is with deep appreciation and gratitude to each one of you  that I am sending you a brief report on the URI Humanitarian Relief given  to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of Swat Valley in Pakistan.  I am sending the report which is prepared by Mr. Yuel Bhatti, URI Executive Secretary, Pakistan. I am also going to send some photos as well. This trip was made on 20-21 June, 2009.

The good news is that many IDPs have started going back, since the law and order situation has improved in Swat Valley. Hopefully, all IDPs will be able to go back to their homes within next couple of months. The humanitarian relief work is still going on.

I express my sincere gratitude to all of you for taking interest in this humanitarian project, and for your prayers and financial support which made this trip a reality.

May Peace Prevail on Earth!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!

In peace,

fr James Channan OP
URI Regional Coordinator Pakistan

Subject:  URI Humanitarian Relief distributed to Internally Displaced People of Pakistan.

Dear URI Family,

About 2.50 millions people of Pakistan displaced, due to violence and conflict in Swat and other surrounding areas. The URI Regional office organized a first trip to Mardan for distribution of Relief package consisting eatable stuff to the Internally Displaced People of  SWAT, DIR UPPER/LOWER, BUNNER BATKELA, TEMIRGARA

1.  Floor
2. Rice
3. Sugar
4. Tea leaves
5. Dry Milk
6. Cooking Oil
7. Biscuits
8. Three variety of Dals
9. Cooking Masalajats
10. Mosquitoes quile
11. Cotton Roll
12. Candles
13. Match Box
14. and other utilities items.

Mr. Asif Arthur (Youth Leader) of Peace and Development Foundation-CC visit the place at Mardan Camp on 18th June where the relief packing to be distributed and reach Rawalpindi on 19th made out the relief packing with kind assistance of Mr. Husnnain Gillani, Coordinator, Ibettda Foundation-CC  Rawalpindi. 

URI Coordinators and Youth leaders started the Journey on 20th June 2009 (International Day Refuges) from Lahore to Rawalpindi and stayed over night there at Christian Study center. On 21st June 2009, in morning  we left for Mardan Northern Diocese Mardan of Church of Pakistan (Camp Sarhadi Lutheran Church Mardan) In said camp Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu 400 (Four hundred)  individuals  sheltered due to violence in Conflict SWAT,DIR UPPER/LOWER,BUNNER BATKELA,TEMIRGARA.

The URI team meets Rt. Rev. Peter Majeed the Organizer of the Camp and share about the URI vision, PPP and solidarity with IDPs. He appreciated the efforts of the URI for arranging Humanitarian aid to the Internally Displaced People from around the world. While sharing Mr. Gillani and Yuel appreciated the Camp organizers for noble cause  and said that it is true religious harmony when the Camp organizer are providing the food from one mess and all faith eat together. We pray that all IDPs may go back to their homes as soon possible and May Peace Prevail in the families of IDPs and May Peace Prevail in Northern areas where the conflict occurred.

The following Coordinators and Youth Leaders distribute the relief package among the IDPs. Male female and children and they also contributed in Local Contribution towards travel expenses Rs. 1,000/- per head. 

1. Mr. Syed Hussnain Gillani, Coordinator Ibetda Foundation CC
2. Ch. Barket Masih,  Coordinator Bhatta Brick Welfare Organization-CC
3. Mr. Asif Arthur, Youth Leader- Peace and Development Foundation-CC
4. Mr. Asad Yameen Coordinator Travel Agents-CC
5. Mr. Jehangir Piara Coordinator    Organization for Peace and Development-CC
6. Mr. Shakeel Ernest Youth Leader Organization for Peace and Development-CC
7. Mr. Francis  Xavior, Coordinator  Women and Children Development Program-CC
8. Mr. Ehsan Ullah Bajawa, Coordinator, Allama Iqbal-CC
9. Mr. Yuel Bhatti , Executive Secretary, URI Pakistan.

The URI team distributes the relief package. While sharing with IDPs we were grieved when they explained about the conflict of violence in their areas with result they were compiled (enforced) to leave their house and properties and they don’t know when they will go back their home and properties are safe or not and it so hard to live in tents although they were feeling homely treated hear but beyond that the women and children are facing different problems specially in hot weather.
We also explained about the URI and showing solidarity in hardship and providing little package of eatable stuff. I told them that this is small contribution from URI family from around the world and local contribution and hopefully we will contribute more in future.

On the same day there was marriage ceremony of IDP (Christian family) so we offered some cash gift to newly wed couple although we cannot attend the marriage ceremony as the program was late and we were determined to reach near Rawalpindi in day light due to security reason.

In the end we pray that as soon as there is  calm and peace in swat and other areas these and other IDPs may go back their homes soon and may innocent child and women and men May Almighty God  provide them all their needs and protection in hardship.

May Peace Prevail in northern Valley!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Reported by:

Yuel Bhtati
Executive Secretary,
URI Pakistan.
www.uripakistan.org
 
 

Subject:  From Northern Diocese Mardan- Appreciation letter

To: jchannan@gmail.com
Cc: ttiyuel@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 6:27 AM

SUBJECT:  IDPs FROM SWAT, DIR UPPER/LOWER, BUNNER BATKELA, TEMIRGARA

CAMP SITE- NORTHERN DIOCESE MARDAN SARHADI LUTHERAN CHURCH MARDAN

Subject: Appreciation letter

To

Fr. James Channan OP
URI Regional Coordinator for Asia/Pakistan &

Mr. Yuel Bhatti
Executive Secretary, URI Pakistan.

Dear Brothers,

We the Northern Diocese Mardan of Church of Pakistan (Camp Sarhadi Lutheran Church Mardan) are really thankful for your kind cooperation and support for the IDPs of SWAT Conflict in the shape of food items among the families of different faith in above mentioned camp. In the result of this compassionate act we were able to share the true of Jesus Christ in this hard time with all faith in above mentioned camp. We much appreciate your efforts. We hope in Christ that you will continue to help us.

Yours truly,

Rt. Rev. Peter Majeed
Bishop ofNorthern Diocese Mardan
Northern Diocese Mardan
Church of Pakistan
e-mail:info@northerndiocesemardan.org
website:www.northerndiocesemardan.org
Phone:+92-937-866296