Updated 30 June 2009
The World Federation in partnership with the Hussaini Foundation of Pakistan are working together to rebuild homes in the District of Hangu that were either damaged or destroyed by the Taliban. Last Muharram (December-January 2008-09), the Taliban once again attacked the Shia community in Hangu, destroying 27 houses and damaging 74 homes. Heavy ammunition was used during the attack.
The World Federation has contributed Rs. 3.54 million in housing and relief programs in Hangu through the Hussaini Foundation. To date, 9 new houses are under construction, and 6 partially damaged homes have been renovated and 2 more are being restored.
The approximate cost of rebuilding a house that was destroyed completely is Rs. 100,000/=.
The approximate cost of renovating a partially damaged house varies from Rs. 25000/= to Rs. 100,000/=.
ABOUT HANGU
District Hangu is a settled area of the North-West Frontier Province in Pakistan located approximately 150 kilometers from Islamabad. District Hangu is surrounded by Aurakzai Agency, Kurram Agency, North Waziristan Agency, Tehsil Tal, Parachinar and Lachi. The total population of District Hangu is nearly 0.8 million where 30% of the inhabitants comprise of Shia Muslims.
The city of Hangu is divided by the main highway that leads towards Parachinar. Access to Parachinar via the highway is blocked due to the Taliban insurgency. The Muslim population is also divided along this highway who are trapped and surrounded by the Taliban people.
BACKGROUND OF THE CURRENT SITUATION
Day by day, the Taliban insurgency into Pakistan is increasing; this is so especially in the regions of FATA, PATA and NWFP. The Taliban movement believes that the followers of the Shia sect pose a hurdle towards their mission and faith. The Taliban are again planning to invade Hangu at any time and the Shias of this region have reiterated that if this happens, then they will retaliate with full force.
Moreover, the Taliban are not happy to learn that the Shia community (with the help of the Hussaini Foundation) is constructing hospital in the city of Hangu. The Shias here are hopeful that this hospital may possibly bring about unity between the Shia and Sunni communities, thereby turning the situation against the Taliban regime.
CONFLICT AFFECTS HANGU RESIDENTS
At present, the Shia community in Hangu is facing total embargo from the Sunni community. All businesses are prohibited from dealing with the Shias. The Taliban have imposed strict punishments for those who break this law such, including heavy penalties and sometimes death. Given these grave circumstances Shia businessmen have migrated away from Hangu and those who have no means to do so are trying their best to survive the conditions. The community is facing economic disaster as well as social problems.
Furthermore, Shia children are forbidden to attend non-Shia schools; there are only a couple of Shia schools left in Hangu. No men are able to go to work for fear of being targeted. The women are most affected by the conflicts; they are mentally traumatized because they feel no safety for their husbands and children.
The young Shia generation is left helpless and forced to turn into fighters to defend their families.
Let us all pray to the Almighty for the safety and security of the people of Hangu.
For more information, please email relief@world-federation.org