How to raise our voice effectively?

Dear readers of Chitralnews. Over the years we complain about the mismanagement of foreign donation at government and NGO levels. I was just reading a letter of complaint with the title 'Flood Relief'. Mainly there are two different ways the foreign donation money comes to us. Either the donation money is given to effected country, and the country takes the responsibility to further deliver the donation to effected community(s).  This is mostly done to strengthen the bilateral relations between two counties.

 

In many cases the donation money is given to any NGO existing in effected areas. MOU between donors, the government and the NGO is signed before releasing the fund. In some cases of emergency need, the personals of donor country(s) directly participate in relief activities. The Major flood relief donation specially in case of Chitral, as far as I know is given to government agencies, in addition what was distributed by some NGOs that included some emergency aid needs like tents, food items and clothings etc. The rehabilitation part of the money is still in the hands of government.

We are well aware that the government is based upon politics, the aid money is also politicized accordingly. The politicians in different levels keep their political interest on top, specially in Pakistan to strengthen their future vote bank and to reward their party workers. If we kept our demand and complains to level of Masjids , Jamat khanas or go for demonstration in Chitral bazaar level at maximum, it will result into nothing except Deputy commissioner or police head will come and make false commitments and the people will disburse thinking that, now their problems will be solved. Deputy commissioner or police has nothing in their hands. They have to maintain law and order and that is it.

What to Do then!!

Take the media in confidence, and request them to spare some time and write a detailed report on the situation, specially the English dailies.
Most of the readers of Chitralnews are familiar with computer basics, and with internet surfing, Chitral news is good source to bring into notice, the local problems, to wider range of people who are unaware of such things. It also plays effective role to disseminate local news nationally and internationally letting the people who live out of Chitral and out of country, to be aware of the problems rising and existing in Chitral. Chitralnews and Chitraltimes like other news sources may not be able to play direct role to solve our problems.

Every one who has access to internet, try to find the e-mail address of embassy or consulate of donor country based in Islamabad . Send E- letter to them with your name address and phone number, taking local people in confidence. Keep in mind the anonymous letters never entertained in any foreign office.

Try to find the e-mail address of head office and country office of donor agency itself, as there could be number of donor agencies of one country. Like DFID (UK), CIDA ( Canada ) GTZ ( Germany ) Norwegian funding ( Norway ) USAID ( America ) etc. Send copy of your e-mail directly to agency(s) head quarters is not a bad idea.

Most of the developed countries have ministries for foreign aid. Try to find the e-mail address of the minister of concerned donor country and send a copy (specially the complains about misuse of donation money) to minister of that particular country.

Identify problem, and with mutual consensus write down a resolution, the resolution. The resolution must have the names of as much effected people as possible, with father’s name and take their signature and or thumb impression and Fax it to above mentioned authorities.

Hopefully we can get our problem(s) solved. One more thing as much e-mails and Faxes will result into quick response towards to issue. This is the time, we have to be active and play our part of the role to bring prosperity in our areas. Don’t ever be worried about the standard and grammar of your English, just try to communicate your problem to right people at right times in very simple words.

Wishing you good luck, and my request to every one again please own local problems at your village level and please own Pakistan , This country does not belong to handful politicians. God forbid, if some thing happens to our beloved country, the politicians are smart enough to run away out of country, leaving poor man behind to suffer. If you have any question please send me text message on 001 905 865 9729. It will not cost you more less then 5-8 rupees. -- Dr. Khalil (Jughooru Hamilton ON Canada 25 May 2011.