SPO to Conduct Social Impact Monitoring – June 2, 2011
Islamabad (June 2, 2011): World Bank has outsourced its post 2010 floods Social Impact Monitoring project to Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). For the implementation of this qualitative research project, SPO in consultation with relevant stakeholders has selected Nowshehra in Khyber Pakhtoonkhuwa and Thatta in Sindh. The project will be implemented by a team of subject specialists, including qualitative research specialists and social and economic analysts. The team will be led by renowned researcher and scholar Mr. Fayyaz Baqir. In this connection, three days project implementation planning workshop was arranged at SPO’s national centre in Islamabad. The project team comprising 12 research specialists and SPO’s senior management as well as MER team attended the workshop. As part of a series of consultations that are required to be undertaken in this project, the new chairperson of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Mr. Zafar Qadir, and joint secretary for Prime Minister Mr. Saleem Ranjha, were invited to the concluding session. They provided valuable inputs and endorsed their maximum support for this research project. The workshop was also attended by Ms. Samina Islam, Social Development Specialist at the World Bank’s Pakistan office. Speaking about the objectives of this strategically significant project between World Bank and SPO, Naseer Memon, Chief Executive SPO said that the project aims to customize World Bank’s globally tested Social Impact Monitoring tools in the context of Pakistan, assess impacts of 2010 floods on social cohesion in, livelihoods of, and governance environment in two worst hit districts of Pakistan and adoption of customized Social Impact Monitoring tools by NDMA and UN and other international agencies working in relief and recovery areas in Pakistan.
Synergy between Development and Media – May 31, 2011
Islamabad (May 31, 2011): Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) Power99 FM Radio Network signed a memorandum of understanding to work in collaboration to bring the issues of development into the limelight of media. ‘The joint venture will focus on the basic issues faced by the people and development practitioners at the grass root level’ stated in a press release. According to the details of MoU, both organizations will work together to prepare programs, news and views about development sector in Pakistan. In order to promote citizen journalism and aligning development related packages with behavioral change communication, SPO would provide human resources in 54 districts of Pakistan, whereas Power99 Radio would train them to garner timely information, especially during the times of emergencies. A salient feature of the collaborative activities between SPO and Power99 that lectures of SPO Civic Café will be held and broadcast at Power 99. It would help disseminate ideas about good governance, peace, social justice and peace and social harmony to a wider audience. Commenting on the important of this collaboration Naseer Memon, Chief Executive SPO, said that currently the mainstream media focuses more on the issues that are more in vogue. In this process the real issues of people tends to be ignored. The initiative of collaboration between SPO and Power 99 will be long term. It will play an instrumental role in providing alternate narrative on real issues and development on the one hand, and pave the way for emergence of media that is more specialized and development specific. Najib Ahmed, Executive Director Power 99 Radio Network said that Power99 Radio is people-centered media outlet that believes in preservation and respects for varied culture, languages and traditions, in this way it tries to institute non-violent society and diversified Pakistan. Following the democratic and participatory approach to development and change, Power99 believes that all development and change should be democratic so that people should own it. For the greater outreach of NGOs and greater awareness among masses Naseer and Najib laid great emphasis on forming synergies between civil society organizations and media.
Bridging Policy Gaps in Education System – May 15, 2011
Parliamentarians of Sindh realize the fact that there are some loopholes, issues of mismanagement and policy gaps within the education system, which need to be addressed with the help of civil society actors. They were speaking at a meeting organized by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) with parliamentarians on ‘Education and Strategy of Sindh’ on May 15, 2011. They asked the organizers to provide recommendations gleaned from the discussion, which would be preferably presented to the Chief Minister of Sindh. The issue will also be raised in the ongoing session of the Sindh Assembly. Sindh Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Zahid Hussain Bhurgari chaired the meeting, while MNA Ameer Ali Shah Jamot, MPA Pitambar Shewani, Prof Zaffar Bugti, Zafar Zeeshan of SPO, Suleman G Abro of SAFWCO, Zulfiqar Halepoto, Sadiqa Sallahuddin, Noor Ahmed Nizamani, SPO Regional Manager Mustafa Baloch and community activist Rehmatullah Balal spoke on the occasion. They identified weaknesses within the system, irresponsible role of leaders of teachers’ organizations and gave their suggestions to improve the education system. The meeting attracted a large number of civil society leaders, community activist and professional teachers. The session passed resolutions in the light of overall discussion and demanded the provincial government that after the 18th Amendment the Sindh government should design ‘new education strategy’ after reviewing the last national education policy 2009. The new provincial strategy should mention all the things which the civil society actors and academia feel necessary in the better interest of the education. The meeting also demanded the government to take the findings of SPO’s study at the forum of Sindh Assembly. The study has been carried out in five districts with the help of SPO’s local partners. The speakers said provincial Higher Education Commission should be established, comprising of educationists and academicians and not bureaucrats. They were of the view that administrative control of all the intermediate examination boards and universities should be shifted to the chief minister. Sharing research findings Mustafa Baloch said that SPO has collected data from 52 union councils of the five districts Ghotki, Shikarpur, Tndo Mohammed Khan, Matiari and Hyderabad. They covered 2532 villages, where they found 1804 schools, out of which 291 schools were for girls. Total 276 schools both for boys and girls were non-functional. He also emphasized the need to review the national curriculum according to the indigenous need of the province. Prof Zaffar Bugti portraying the world education scenario said Pakistan has to achieve set target of millennium development goals (MDGs) to assure 100 percent enrollment till 2015. He was of the opinion that only by abolishing school fees or ensuring more enrollment is not the solution, rather the government should take proper measures to achieve the MDGs. He said primary education is basic right of everybody. Quoting government figures Noor Ahmed Nizamani said only 7000 schools out of total 49,000 schools, are fully functional. Out of those 7000 are functional schools, 4000 schools are located in the urban centers of the province. Sadiqa Sallahuddin said there is a need to assess how the existing education budget is being utilized. The speakers emphasized the need to constitute a monitoring committee to evaluate the situation and prepare recommendations, which should be presented to the provincial government to look into the same and resolve the problems. It was also pointed out that the incentives, increments and promotions should be made as per the performance of teachers and administrative officials, instead of political basis. Others who also spoke on that occasion included Noor Muhammad Bajeer, Shazia Junejo, Khadim Sindh, Adrees Jatoi, Shafique Kandhro, Wahid Sangrasi, Mehbob Abro, Taj Muhammad Nahyion, DO Zianul Abddin Shah, Ammar Sindhu, Razzque Bhatti, Irfana Mallah, Mahesh Kumar, Jaffar Memon, Ali Nawaz Lund and Dr,Asho Thama .
SPO Emergency Response MAP
SPO Conference on “Local Initiatives in Development”
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) held a conference on ‘Local Initiatives in Development’ on March 17, 2011. Speakers of the conference emphasized capacity building of local communities to enable them to build a democratic, just and peaceful society in Pakistan. Introducing the objectives of the conference Naseer Memon, Chief Executive SPO, said that the struggles of marginalized and local communities tends to be ignored in the mainstream media and discourse of development. ‘This conference brings together people from different regions of Pakistan to share inspiring stories of local community who are contributing to create critical mass’ he said. Dr. Tufail Mohammed, Chairperson SPO, welcomed the participants and briefed about SPO’s programme that strives to address the needs of marginalized communities and tackles challenges of development. Dr. Tufail’s briefing shed light on SPO’s programme areas and its response to emergencies, like earthquake in 2005 and flood in 2010. Sharing the work of SPO and its role in the development sector, Sadiqa Salahuddin stressed the need of changing the current paradigm of development because the affectees of anachronistic paradigm are people. ‘There is a dire need to encourage local initiatives because they are cost effective and sustainable’ she asserted. She highlighted the importance of continual review and renewal of strategy to meet emerging needs and demands of people. Sadiqa termed development as political, therefore there has to be political education of people. She lauded the endeavors of SPO in building capacities of local communities and organizations. ‘The reason behind capacitating local communities is that they are in a better position to articulate their needs and negotiate with power structures’ Sadiqa said. Renowned intellectual Harris Khalique termed the work of SPO especially its component of political education as heraldry. ‘SPO works as a catalyst in bringing potentialities into reality’ Harris said. Harris laid great emphasis on understanding the role of political workers because political education enables them to enact their role with a clear vision. Explicating the idea behind the endeavors of empowering the marginalized sections of society, Harris stated that SPO follows Gramcian model through which it strives to empower human agency, which can change the power system. ‘Our support to civil society in Pakistan is basically connecting community with the state. Incessant control of undemocratic forces over the country, a disconnect has been created between the state and society. SPO’s support to civil society organization aims to establish the connection’ Harris Khalique observed. He urged to make professionalism subservient to community. Elaborating the dialectics of social justice in Pakistan, Development practitioner Arifa Mazhar stressed the need of creating awareness in society. ‘Only by changing the minds we can be able to empower the marginalized communities in Pakistan’ Arifa stated. She further said that empowerment enables people to change policy in their favor and paves the way for democratic, just and tolerant society. To introduce the unsung stories of interfaith harmony and peace Allama Ramzan Tauqeer and Hamad Ullah Farouqi shared their experience and trial and tribulations in their struggle in restoring peace and harmony in the sectarian torn Dera Ismail Khan. Allama Ramzan reminisced about once peaceful D.I.Khan. He regretted the fact that peace in D.I.Khan was shattered by the forces who are bereft of reason and resort to violence instead of logic. He lauded the efforts of Sunni scholar Hamad Ullah Farouqi in bridging the divide between Sunni and Shia communities. Providing perspective from Sunni community Hamad Ullah Farouqi stated that he himself was attacked twice in which he was severely injured and lost two colleagues. Despite the threats from militants he continued his struggle for peace with the help of Shia scholar Allama Ramzan. Ultimately, their effort bore fruit. However, he was the opinion that peace is a long haul. In order to ensure sustainable peace it is imperative to resolve to continue struggle and never succumb to militants who are hell bent upon killing innocent lives. SPO partners, political party steering committees, local community members, civil society networks and elected representatives shared the experiences of local initiatives in development in different regions of Pakistan. They presented inspiring stories of struggle by the marginalized communities who have succeeded to reopen schools, securing National Identity Cards for women, resisting force marriages, securing fisherman rights, burial of Hindu girl in Muslim cemetery, restoring land donated to welfare and interfaith harmony. The participants especially appreciated stories of the struggle of Sindh and efforts for the restoration of peace narrated by religious scholars Allama Ramzan Tauqeer and Hamad Ullah Farouqi in Dera Ismail Khan. The conference was attended by a large number of people from, Funding partners, civil society organizations, academicians and government officials.
Opening Vistas for Youth – Jan 2011
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) program is rights-based. In the larger development agencies, the rights-based approach has its roots in the increasing public concern with the development effectiveness. Civil Society in Pakistan has emerged as catalyst and change agent during the last 3 decades and has been winning and gaining more grounds in mainstream development and policy making processes at provincial and national level. Pakistani society is undergoing drastic changes because of many emerging developments and trends, like independents media, activation of various sections of civil society, such as lawyers, forums, media organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions and many others. Many public and private higher education institutions offer new degree programs, like gender studies, environment sciences, development and population studies etc. The rising number of students seeking admission in these departments shows the interest and seriousness of the youth. These students need to have a good understanding about operational dynamics and ground realities of development scenario in Pakistan alongside their education. Educational institutions have already realized it and are emphasizing now on the importance of on-job training; sending the students to leading CSOs for a period of 6-8 months so they can get off campus practical experience. SPO-Lahore enjoys very positive and strong linkages with higher education institutions like Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University, and Kinnaird College for Women University. It has been accommodating the students of these institutions as interns for past few years. During 2009-2010, 28 students belonging to, Social Work, Sociology, Mass Communication, Political Science, and Gender Studies departments of PU and LCWU have successfully completed their internship with SPO-Lahore. This experiment has proved a successful and students obtained first hand working knowledge, experience, exposure, and understanding about operational dynamics and ground realities of development paradigm in Pakistan. We can make a better society through sensitization of the youth about politics and socieity. The speakers were of view that if we need a peaceful and developed state then we should focus on youth and their role, because if we want to minimize the political, social and economical disruption, then we need to create opportunities for youth. There is a dire need to bring the youth on a plate form where they can realize their role and responsibilities. CSOs and government create such type of forum where students express their views. The ceremony was chaired by Naseer Memon, CE SPO, and guest of honor were Neelam Hussain (Educationist), Khawar Mumtaz ( Director Shirkat Gah,) Ahsan Akhtar Naz (Director Institute of Mass communication and development studies Punjab University Lahore), Prof. Rana Ejaz (associate professor political science department university of Punjab), Sara Shahid (Lahore university of Women gender studies department), Rana Malik, Razia Naqvi from university of Punjab and Salman Abid Regional Head SPO Lahore
Round Table Forum On Peace and Human Development – December 28, 2010
Considering the repercussions of violence/terrorism upon achieving the target of MDGs goals, Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) organized a Round Table Forum on ‘Peace and Human Development’ in Islamabad on December 28, 2010. Speakers in the conference stressed the need to shift current paradigm of security state to human security to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Speakers of the forum stressed the need of shifting current paradigm of security state to human security to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They were speaking at the Round Table Forum on ‘Peace and Human Development’ arranged by Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO). Introducing the theme of forum Dr. Tufail Muhammed, Chairperson SPO, welcomed the participants. He said the forum on peace and human development is timely as it is in line with SPO’s programme of peace and social harmony. Briefing the participants about the status of MDGs in Pakistan Naseer Memon, Chief Executive SPO, said that human development paradigm has to replace security paradigm. He shared the context of political economy that hindered achievement of MDGs. He was of the opinion that it is unlikely that Pakistan would achieve MDGs within the stipulated time. Providing the regional perspective, Senator Dr. Abdul Malik stated that in the history of civilization every society had to face the basic issue of peace and development. Our region is in the throes of conflict for last few decades. ‘The current insurgency in Balochistan is the result of deprivations of last 63 year and the only solution is to accept legitimate demands’ he claimed. Balochistan is backward because of the collusion of local patricians with the ruling class of Pakistan to maintain status quo. He blamed the troika of militants, sardars and government for stifling the middle class in Balochistan. Dr Sarfraz, Director of Area Study Centre University of Peshawer, shared the situation of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and its impact on achievement of MDGs. ‘When schools are bombed, students are threaten to join seminaries and women were prohibited to get education, then it is impossible to achieve the targets of MDGs’ he commented. According to Dr. Sarfraz the thought process has been traditionally independent in KPK but it is curtailed now, which will harm the quality of education in seats of higher learning in KPK. Abrar Kazi presented perspective of Sindh. He regretted the fact that Pakistan is earmarking more resources on security paradigm than on human development. ‘Being a postcolonial state Pakistan is entangled in ideological, religious and nationalist conflict. The violent conflict in Sindh is rooted in ethnicity’ Kazi said. He attributed this situation to the failure of institutions. Shedding light on repercussions of violence in Karachi he asserted that the biggest industrial and skill area of Pakistan is losing its economic base because of violent politics pursued by a particular party in Karachi. Adding further he told the participants that tribal fueds, jirgas and ransom in the inner parts of Sindh has brought the economic activities to standstill. Eminent educationist Dr Rubina Sehgal stressed the need to look more into the militancy in Punjab as it provides 50% of jihadi work force. Speaking on the impact of conflict/terrorism on women in Pakistan, she provided historical overview of conflict in which civilian were remained largely immune from wars. She said the military has become more involved in social affairs and society got militarized. “Inter-state wars have been reduced drastically recently, but civilians have been caught in intra state conflict’ she commented. She asserted that violence for women is a permanent way of life not a rule of exception in Pakistan. Sehgal was of the view that a state which runs parallel education and judicial system cannot cater justice to its people, rather it generates violence. ‘Unless we do not get rid of religion within state structure we cannot establish peace’ she stated. Former Chief Economist Dr. Pervez Tahir recapped the themes of discussion. Dr. Pervez commented that the objective of security in our country is always the state and never human security. Shedding light on performance of MDGs vis-à-vis Pakistan’s performance he claimed that Pakistan is far away from achieving the targets. In education and health expenditure is lower now than in 2001but expenditures on defense and military increased manifold. He said that we have to complete the work of 50 years in 5 years. Aimal Khattak of Sungi Foundation said that the current conflict is a part of bigger conflict of great game in the region. Asad Rahman, Director of Program Sungi Foundation, emphasized exploring nexus between military and mullah, emergence of Taliban and US imperialism. Senator Hasil Bazenjo said that our mullah is hypocritical. ‘Our politics is based on secularism but secular parties do not openly go against Federal Shariat Court. Military and mullah are doing whatever they like, he observed. Our country is facing Tsunami that kills more people. ‘We are retrogressive path and moving towards 17th century let alone achieving MDGs’ he said. Former Minister and writer Javed Jabbar said ‘we paid inadequate attention to MDGs. We have to shape our future vision today.’ Jabbar shared his observation that there are four kinds of wars: physical, psychological, ideological and anti- human development war. He termed the current violence by religious militants as war of obscurantists against human development. He does not see any possibility of these wars subsiding in near future. ‘If our governance structure remains same we would be encumbered by sheer demographic challenge’ he asserted. The very institutions that are supposed to protect us are fighting for their survival. Development can be possible in conflict situation but in a containable conflict. Peace is only possible by human development. Ending his speech on optimist note Jabbar urged civil society to develop local philanthropic structure. The forum was attended by prominent politicians, civil society members and eminent academicians. Prominent among them are Syed Abid Rizvi, Jonathan Smeet, First Secretary EKN, Jan Ali Changezi, Minister for Education Balochistan, Nasreen Azhar, Aimal Khattak, Ali Ahmed Jan, Faisal Ali Baloch, Prof Asghar Ali
16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender Based Violence – 25th November – 10th December 2010
“Women’s Leadership Role in Flood Affected Area To End Gender Based Violence” Background: 25th November marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence and 2010 is the 20th successive year for this campaign. The 16 days activism campaign ending on December 10th also highlights other significant dates, including November 29; International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, December 1, World AIDS Day, and December 6, the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre and finally the international human rights day on December 10th. Gender-based violence is a harsh reality for many women and girls around the world. It further exacerbates during and in the aftermath of an occurrence of a disaster, where women become more vulnerable to various forms of violence and abuse. This year, Pakistan was hit by the worst ever disaster in its 63 year history. According to statics by the United Nations over 20 million people were affected by the devasting floods that hit different parts of the country. As the disasters rip through the social fabric and physical capital of an area, women’s and girls’ vulnerability to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) also escalates. Keeping the gravity of the situation in view, it is imperative that GBV be taken up in policy circles and that the government and civil society institutions direct maximum resources, attention and efforts to deal with the issue in pre and post disaster situations. SPO has taken up gender-based violence in eight worst flood affected districts of Pakistan as a theme for the 16 days women leaders’ activism campaign. In this connection SPO will seek to enhance ‘Women’s Leadership Role in Flood Affected Areas to End Gender Based Violence,’ a project supported by UNIFEM. Project Objective The objective of this project is to increase the role of women and girls in relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation phase through enhanced leadership skills and protection networks in order to address violence against women and girls in the flood affected areas. The project is also aimed at ensuring that local women’s perspectives are incorporated in the future disaster risk preparedness, mitigation and prevention measures by the line agencies in the government. The target areas for the project are 08 districts that were affected by the floods (Nowshehra, Dera Ismail Khan, Muzzafargarh, Multan, Rajanpur, Thatta, Sukkar, Naseerabad and Jafferabad) of flood affected four provinces – KPK, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Capacity Building SPO has embarked upon the project with a three days training of trainers ( organised between 22nd November 2010 to 24th November 2010) given to 16 master trainers (chosen from within the pool of SPO’s existing master trainers currently based in its provincial offices). The training was delivered by Sisters Trust Pakistan. These master trainers will further provide three days intensive training on dealing with GBV in disaster situations to the 30 women leaders in each of the eight target districts. Local Women Leaders will be trained on ‘how to collectively lobby against the GBV and discrimination against women’. They will be trained on ‘how to seek linkages and network with other networks and line agencies in the government to put an end to violence and discrimination against women in an event of a disaster’. They will be mentored and prepared to take onto the leadership roles beyond the life of this project so that to be able to pass on their skills and knowledge to other women of their area. Main features of the trainings will include ‘tips for advocating for victims of violence against women’, ‘advocating for women in the criminal justice system’, ‘community strategies for preventing violence against women’, ‘liaising effectively with the district relief and rehabilitation committees’ in pre and post disaster situations’ and ‘creating, forging and nurturing alliances and networks’. Expected Outcome The project is aimed at eradication of GBV and raising awareness regarding protection of women in disaster situations. It is expected to result in the creation of a cadre of women leaders able to act as mentors for other local women and organizations who seek to end injustice and violence against women. It is envisioned that these local women leaders will take the lead roles in taking this cause successfully into future beyond the life of this project. These women leaders are expected to be working together on issues concerning women in future. They are expected to inspire more women thereby creating larger groups of women leaders and activists in their constituencies and beyond. Since one of the key outcomes of this 16 days activism project will be a countrywide women leaders forum with each leader having her own circle of influence within her respective constituency, it is believed that the forum will continue to operate as an organised national level women forum also having deep roots at the district level.
Dr. Tufail received the meritorious services award
Dr. Tufail Mohammad is the Chairperson of Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO). Under his leadership SPO endeavors for the empowerment of the marginalized section of the society and realization of basic human rights in Pakistan. Recently, he was awarded with the meritorious services award by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan for his outstanding leadership in supporting displaced women and communities. This is another feather in the cap of SPO. Currently, Dr. Tufail Mohammad is the Director of the Regional Training Institute (RTI), Peshawar. “RTI is a government body responsible for the training of the staff of the Population Welfare and Health Departments on reproductive health and family planning. Dr Tufail Mohammed became a Leadership Fellow when he attended the International Family Planning Leadership Program (IFPLP) of the International Health Programs (IHP). Dr Tufail has subsequently been an active fellow in the Leadership Fellows network as well as other networks, and is well known and respected amongst his colleagues. Recently he has taken a lead in trying to develop disaster response strategies in partnership with other Leaders as well as with the Pakistan Reproductive Health Network. In recognition of his outstanding leadership in supporting displaced women and communities,, he was presented with the meritorious services awards by the President (2008) and Prime Minister of Pakistan (2010).” Dr Tufail Muhammed is the Director of the Regional Training Institute in Peshawar. RTI is responsible for providing technical training to service providers of the Population Welfare Department, and Health Department of the Government of Pakistan. This training includes various aspects of reproductive health, as well as family planning. Dr Tufail, a pediatrician by training, is also extremely active with civil society being one of the founding members of the Physicians Forum for Family Planning. Based on the experience of the crises in his region Dr Tufail told me “when disasters occur, people’s first response is the survival of people, reproductive health usually takes a back seat. Reproductive health is a woman’s issue, and often women are silent, and there are many taboos around speaking about these issues”. But reproductive health is connected to survival. Women who are pregnant suddenly lose all forms of care. Those who are close to delivery have nowhere to go for services. Not only are formal systems of care no longer there, but neither are the informal systems – the family set up, traditional birth attendants, etc. Women with gynecological concerns have no access to health care providers. Family planning is no longer available. Even something as basic as menstrual hygiene is difficult to care for. Dr Tufail says that when his female colleagues and students visited women in camps, they pleaded for someone to respond to these needs. With the region prone to crisis, the local people have learned from their experience. “When the most recent crisis occurred we were prepared.” On hearing of the army action and the potential displacement of people, Dr Tufail and his colleagues advocated that the registration forms developed by the government for internally displaced people must have a section for registering pregnant women. This registration showed that 77,000 pregnant women had been displaced. The local services in the communities where they were displaced to could not meet the expanded needs of the population. Dr Tufail and his team visited the women in the camps asking them what they needed. They responded by advocating for the provision of safe delivery kits and the provision of sanitary supplies to women. He gained the support of the Federal Minister of Population Welfare who supported his SOS call with resources. Dr Tufail also tapped into the Leadership Fellows network and built a partnership with a Leadership Fellow in the Punjab who immediately sent truckloads of supplies for him to distribute. Dr Tufail located several hospital infrastructures which were non functional. With support from his networks he was able to quickly open up ob-gyn wards and expand services. “Along with physical needs, it was also crucial for us to address people’s psychological needs. We found reasons to celebrate. We all celebrated Eid together, the local district nazim hosted a grand wedding to which we invited 7000 people. We also held a group wedding to which our institute represented the girls’ side, and we made the girls’ clothes for them.” In times of disaster, everything breaks down, formal and informal systems are destroyed. Societies can no longer function to support its citizens and their needs. In times like this leaders like Dr Tufail have to think fast, listen to the people and their needs, advocate to those who can help, and mobilize resources to respond to the needs.