Awaz-e-Dosti (Afghan Voices)

Since the monsoon season began in this year like many other countries Pakistan experienced climate change and  heavy  rain falls  which lead to disastrous  and damaged dozens of dwellings belonging to Afghan refugees in camps.

The rainfall and strong winds have wreaked havoc on the camp, as most of residents live in houses made of clay. The reporters reported about  the ceilings of the refugee family  mud houses  that fell down and how they were struggling to rebuilt them due to higher construction cost and   are living  in a constant worry

Another issue which was highlighted in the program  was that  most of the Afghan refugees are daily wages worker  their sources of living is effected due to  heavy monsoons further they  cannot access the camps as the small ponds that used to be there are now big lakes  full of mud all over,  effecting their mobility and most of them  are  out of work for the time being.

Women and girls are facing  added risks particularly when access to services are more restricted while  they were  already lacking   sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and little privacy hindering  the quality of life

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program : Awaz-e-Dosti

Program :  Awaz-e-Dosti

Program :  Awaz-e-Dosti

The show host of  Awaz-e-Dosti started the program by greeting the listeners. He shared the toll free number of power 99 and face book page so that audience can participate in the program. It is said Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. This quote truly represents today's show. All  three reports illustrates that despite the hardships and miserable conditions, Afghan refugees thirst to learn livelihood skills is commendable. At the end of the show Mr Najeeb Ahmad CEO of power 99 gives his expert opinion regarding Afghan refugees challenges.

The first report is about Sheeryakh a handmade ice cream  and Sheeryakh meaning cold sweet helping  Afghan refugees to recall authentic sweetness flavor of their land so that  people get to reconnect with their traditions .The citizen journalist Izzat-ullah. Reported how in a special wooden molder in which the raw materials such as milk , sugar and cardamom are placed and blended by hand till the ice cream is prepared to be served. The wooden molder is a state of art ice cream machine and there are very few people who can build it and contribute to introducing Afghan cousine in Pakistan . Izzat-ullah. further shared that how his ice cream can be turned into a sustainable business  if any renowned business or ice cream production company take interest in it

The second story is about Abdullah, a bicycle repair shop owner, he inherited his shop from his father Muhammad Nabi. Abdullah thinks that cycle is amazing mode of transport although its a dying business. He is vocal about the fact that this medium should come back  as it's hassle free and environment friendly. Afghan refugee camp already has various pollution issues, use of cycles might reduce them. However Abdullah thinks that times are changing and therefore he should change with time. He is expanding his business by learning motorcycle and car repairing techniques too so that if cycle becomes obsolete, he should have ways to meet his ends. Abdullah is not only a environment friendly but an adaptable person, the two qualities that will help achieve success.

The third story in the show is about Assad, who  also inherited his sewing skill from his father. His forefathers used to do dressmaking business in Afghanistan and his father started it in the refugee camp. His father used to make dresses by hand but Assad enhanced his tailoring skill by buying new machines and learning them. Assad work is incredibly famous in host community and refugees, they say that they download designs from internet and he has ability to sew them. His story shows that hard work and learning new skills enables a person to success.

In the last part of show Mr Najeeb Ahmad gave his expert opinion on Afghan Refugees. He is a CEO of power 99 and has a vast experience and knowledge on this arena. He thinks that there were multiple barriers that Afghans faced when they first migrated such as language, economic pressures and limited resources, unfortunately after 40 years they still are displaced community. He further added that no work has been done to reduce their sensitivities, they have limited identity card and they have no right to vote. He thinks to overcome these challenges they should be given the local voting right, it is important for two reason. Firstly their problems on grass root level would be addressed and secondly they will have sense of belonging which will help them to heal and  take active part in the community .

The show Awaz-e-Dosti was hosted by Bilal Danish, he initiated the program by extending warm welcome and wishes to the audience. Listeners are the soul of any show, they are the ones that makes it alive therefore Bilal shares the toll free phone number and Awaz-e-eDosti face book page address so that audience can connect with the him and his show. The first call came in as soon the number was shared. The name of first caller  was Aijaz, He told host that he is a regular listener of the show. He likes the show and he listens it with his friends. Aijaz also inquired about that other language that host was speaking, upon getting to know it was Persian he requested to play a Persian song. The second caller was Fazal from Islamabad, he appreciated the program and inquired that if this show is on aired from Afghanistan. Bilal the show host told him that this show is from Pakistan on the platform of Power FM 99. The uniqueness about today's program it's women eccentric stories and along with that both stories relate to each other. The reports that will be played are exhilarating because they illustrate the refugees' will, courage and persistence

Samina Bibi is working with Afghan refugees for a long time and her focus is improvement in female and children health. This is her story of determination, resilience and strength. Samina Bibi works as a nurse from host community at the local BHU.  Although she works in a noble profession but unfortunately she faces lot of criticism and abuse. She is trying her  best  to enhance the health facilities in any way possible nevertheless she faces trouble with the afghan community about how BHU lacks all the major facilities. Her efforts of promoting women health in the camp's patriarchal and conservative setup is commendable. Basic awareness about polio drops is incredibly low in Afghan refugees camps hence it's campaign is met with severe disapproval. Afghan Refugees think that polio vaccines is a conspiracy as BHU lacks basic medicines but when it come to polio vaccines, they are given at door steps. On the other hand Gul Zeb the protagonist in the second story emphasis the need and significance of polio drops as she is differently able. According to her that life as refugee is tough but for her it is excruciating. She is completely dependent upon her brother and his family. She urges to the community through the platform of Power FM 99 to make sure that their children get polio vaccines. Both the women are embodiment of patience, determination and strength. Life for both of them is difficult but hats off to their  will power that force them advocate about health issues in the clamor of ignorance and illiteracy.

The third story is about ill-fated business of dying cinemas. It is said medicine, law, business and engineering are the noble pursuits but art, literature, poetry and music are the elements which we live for. Cinema is a magical invention, it takes a viewer to another world through story telling. Movies are the not only a powerful form of entertainment but they educate audiences as well. Unfortunately all the movie theaters near Afghan refugee camp where renowned Pashto and Persian movies used to be on aired are now on the brink of closing down. Affordable and cost effective entertainment such as cinema is the least form of relive that can be given to refugees to overcome their trauma. The host concluded this story on this note that  Civil society and other stakeholders must come together and try to save this leisure activity because life itself is too difficult and there are few form of entertainment left in this world

This is Bilal Danish,welcome to the program Awaz-e-Dosti. I pray all are well and having good time You can participate in the program you can call me to share your feedback,comments or suggestionsyour participation is very important. we will listen three reports sharing Afghan refugees struggle, resilience and conscientiousness.

The program starts  with thestory of young boy Hijrat Khan. Who is epitome of determination and strength, Hijrat is only 10 years old but he is forced to become a  skillful loading machinery driver and mechanic. He also works in a farm, most of the civilization might argue that it is a sheer child labor. However, the silver lining in Hijrat's story is that he chosen to earn rather than beg and he is working under the supervision of his father which makes his working environment safe. He goes to school for religious education but he is working full time. The unfortunate aspect instead of books and toys he has tool box in his hand.

Our Second story is about Sherzad Malang,. Sherzad has passion for books, he is student as well. In Afghan refugee camps the book shops are less to none, Being a book lover, Sherzad decided to change it. He opened a stationery and sports equipment shop He not only sells books but he also lends them. He uses his shop as a library, Afghan people borrow Pashto and Persian book from him. He even gets literary book from Qissakhawani bazaar Peshawar on people’s demand. he thinks that as a responsible and mindful member of society it his responsibility to serve his community as well.

Our third story is about “Kabli Resturaunt” which is opened in the heart of Afghan camp. Food is an important part of any culture, it bonds people. This authentic kabli restaurant is a source of happiness for Afghan refugee the taste and genuineness of afghan cuisine like Kabli Pulao,Afghani naan brings the happy memories of their homeland and culture. This restaurant is quite popular among host community. This restaurant does not only bring sense of belonging to Afghans but it also gives chance to both host community and refugees to mingle and share happiness.

Mr Iftikhar Khan a senior journalist from TNN was invited as guest in the last part of show. He emphasized that it is important that peace abounds so that Afghan refugees can find stability. He also shared his views upon the challenges that Afghans are facing such as economic, health and education issues. Another major problem that there is no platform for Afghans where they can raise their voices. Mr Iftikhar Khan  appreciated the Power99 efforts and said that more Platform such as Awaz-e-Dosti should be made so that Afghan as a community can articulate their problem and that’s will be the first step towards solution.

Our host Bilal Danish conducted the program on the platform of Awaz-e-Dosti and his first story is about Haripur’s boat business which is on the verge of extinction. The reason being d the reduction level in water of Tarbela lake. People prefer to walk now because of low water level therefore it is difficult for host community to sustain their boat business. This melancholy situation about water levels are effecting Afghan refugees too. Afghan need fuel wood as their camps lack gas facility and to attain it they need a boat ride. Unfortunately, boat drivers are now charging hefty amounts to cover their expenses that these refugees simply cannot afford, this dilemma regarding fuel wood is getting serious than ever. This Story will show the repercussions of low water levels on both host and Afghan community.

The second story is about Hameedullah a cloth shop owner, his story is dazzling emblem of hard work and determination. He started his business with PKR 1 lakh  but with his relentless efforts currently his business is worth of PKR 60 lakh. He mentioned that he could have gone to Europe with PKR 1 lakh but it's much better to be an entrepreneur than to be an illegal immigrant or worst a victim of human trafficking. His story illustrates that miserable situations and limited resources are mere hurdles. Hameedullah emerged as a winner because of his resilience, strong will and decision making power.

The third story is about another unsung warrior of afghan refugee Habibullah, he opened a mobile shop within the vicinity of camp. Afghan refugees are deprived from the basic necessities of life but they manage to find happiness in smaller things, the availability USBs, mobile cable wire and data wires is like a breath of fresh air for them. They do not have to go to Swabi's market to get a simple gadget as headphones. In comparison to the high-tech world on the other side of the camp it may not be much but for afghan refugees it is what connecting them to the outside world. Habibullah identified the need and gap in his own market and decided that he should rectify the situation. He also agreed with his fellow refugee Hameedullah. He thinks that it's better to work here where the language and life is similar to their home country instead of fleeing to Europe. Due to his amazing business sense he has  build up a sustainable setup with supplying partners from Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Swat.

Finally in the last part of program, Ms. Gullmina was invited as a worthy guest. She is a head of Individual Land and has done great deal of research on Afghans. She discussed the inclusion for financial sustainability she further discussed and role of women within the Afghan community, further on she mentioned their problems too such as female health and their financial dependence. She mentioned that institutes and NGOs should come up with the solution to these problems for example providing them with trainings so that women may be enable to earn their livelihoods. Afghan female financial remained pivotal point of discussion and Bilal closed the program with the parting note that institutes should actively try to intervene and come up with alternatives so that Afghan women can also thrive.

It is said that first step is always the hardest but if one takes the first step the way becomes much clear and easy. In today's program all the stories will be scented of strength, resilience and strong will.

Bilal Danish the program Awaz-e-Dosti host  started with the story of Assadullah, a local worker who is an example of strength and pliability. After a long and excruciating struggle to find work in his own vicinity he decided to move to a big city for survival. Unfortunately he was not educated enough, his options for livelihood were limited. His big move turned out to be challenging but his adaptability towards new city, culture and language managed to find him a source of income. Assadullah profoundly wishes that his children get education so that they don't encounter the similar problems that he did. This is the story of  Assadullah's resilience, optimism and endurance.

The second story is about Salim Khan, he has been  living in Swabi barqi camp since 40 years, he was almost half way through his degree in Economics from Jallalabad university when he migrated. At that point, he only had 1800 PKR and an entrepreneurial mind. He started vegetable and fruit business, through his consistency, hard work and extensive knowledge about economics he made it to sustainable business. Salim is creating employment for Afghan refugees too, there are two boys who work for him. His business is flourshing and he has expanded it to Mardan city.  Salim story illustrate dreams can be fulfilled if only one has strong will and strength.

This program  also includes the story about a famous business of bedstead of woven webbing commonly known as "Charpai" in local language. This business is situated in  Haripur Panniya city. These colorful vibrant bedstead are not only attractive for the beholders but this business is creating skillful employment opportunity for afghan. Afghans has an eye for color and it is shown in the product that they create. Afghans as a nation are eager to learn and this is the story about how afghan community's  devotion to learn a new skill and converting that skill into an art.

At the end of the program  Iqbal Khattak a  senior journalist working  for freedom press and having  an  extensive  knowledge about Afghan refugees was also invited in the show as an expert. Iqbal Khattak  discussed in detail that how Afghan refugees are facing  social, financial and emotional challenges. Although they are facing these issues with strength and bravery but life for them is miserable. He concluded that the ultimate solution is peace in their own country so that one day they return to own country where they belong and become the strong nation that they are.

Omer Khan an Afghan refugee running a shop shared that  starting a business has given me a strength . He has not only accepted the situation but find a way to deal with this new life. Even though it’s little steps He Said.”I have a business now I feel more integrated in the community, I can help my neighbor as there is no other market or store within the camp area and people have to go the neighbourhood markets. This was not easy especially for olders and women”.

Abdul Khlid an Afghan refugee working as a labourer in Haripur camp -3 appreciated the UNHCR  Efforts for installing first ever water filtration plan in  the camp.. Bismillah Jan an another Afghan labourers working in the same water filtration  plant shared that how it will resolve the community water crisis issue and how much they all are happy for getting clean and fresh water for drinking and offering prayers after 40 years of being living in the same camp . He further added that if they will be provided some knowledge on the water plant cleaniness and maitanaince they will provide their own services without relying on others.

Ismail Shamim is an example Hope and Resilience equipping Afghan youth in Swabi Camp with modern knowledge by initiating an English language and computer lab academy . He shared how he started the academy  and got motivated by the number of youth enrolled. He has 150-170 students.  The students mostly get free courses as  most of them are Orphans or  are from very low income families. Ismail hoped that in future the students will be able to join education fields like  engineering or medical and can get  online education.Further he hoped that they will be confident enough to communicate  by learning both through Radio or live streaming.

Zaib Yousafzai a poetess in Swabi host Community is paying her role through her poetry contributing to preserve Pushto her mother language and believes that it is a constant struggle between feeling proud of your mother‐tongue while being included. In the program. In the program Awaz e Dosti Zaib Yousafzai shared that how Maintaining mother language helps the child value his or her culture and heritage, which contributes to a positive self-concept.

The program covers educationspecifically the text books for the primary school student in the class afghan teacher tell us about choice of curriculum for refugee learner’s .reporter muhmmad khan and Danial Shahid. Engineer Habib Ullah and the principle of local primary  suggested the need for  the development of strong partnerships between national authorities and refugee education partners.