Whether or not you agree with the views of OEN contributor and journalist, Muhammad Khurshid, is not important here. In the past few days, both Rob Kall and I have received numerous messages from Muhammad regarding increasing threats against him and his family for his continued reporting of Taliban and other extremist factions infiltrating the tribal regions of the Bajaur Agency.
Additionally, and in recent days while working in Peshawar, he has been further "warned" regarding his critical position on how the Pakistani government is handling the growing terror concern not only in the tribal regions along the Pak-Afghan border, but throughout the country as violence and acts of terrorism are on the increase.
As many of you know, Muhammad and his wife Fatima, and their four children live in one of the most volatile and potentially dangerous areas in the world. Their tribal village and home is in the Bajaur Agency along the Afghanistan border and has long been considered a possible hiding place of Osama bin-Laden. Over the last few months, Taliban has been moving into the area in even greater numbers along with other extremist groups and fighting has been commonplace between all parties which include government militia, U.S. forces, and other militants all vying for control of the region.
Opinions and ideologies are as widespread and as unforgiving as the harsh, rugged terrain. But encircled by this escalating war of words, weapons and wanton violence are thousands of innocent civilians, parents and their children asking for nothing more than their safety and peace. They long for a normal day.
Recently, a threatening letter was sent to the Bajaur Press Club asking all journalists to cease writing what were seen as "negative" reports, otherwise they would be killed. One of Muhammad's brothers is a journalist working as a correspondent for Pakistan Television as well as a local newspaper in the Bajaur Agency. As Muhammad and others do, he takes these threats very seriously. Only days before this intimidating letter was received, a journalist from the area was murdered. It was not the first time nor will it be the last.
As Muhammad reported to me, "the mountains around our villages are occupied by increasing numbers of Taliban and other militants. There is a very real possibility of continued and escalated violence and clashes between them and security forces." In the past few months, fighting has broken out in this region and a number of civilians were killed. And as in the past, civilians will continue to be targeted or caught in the crossfire. Everyone is living in a state of terror. Many of the children are no longer attending school.
Last night, Muhammad's email sounded particularly urgent. He was in Peshawar where he works and spends a good part of every month. He worries about being away from his family for long stretches of time but has no choice as these days, work is particularly hard to come by. When he is home, he receives threats in his village, and when in the city his wife Fatima continues to hear these rumblings as well. She worries for his safety.
And now in Peshawar, as in his own village, he no longer feels safe. He has been openly threatened in recent days and for the first time, admits he is taking these latest threats more seriously than ever; he fears for his life.
His email is dark, and unlike most where there is a sign of hopefulness in his words, this one sounds like the voice of a desperate man. He is uncomfortable and embarrassed about asking for help. The help he asks for is nothing more than "an ear," someone, anyone, to hear his pleas, to know how he agonizes more for the safety of his family than his own. He's concerned about the failing health of his beloved wife, Fatima, who is living in constant fear, often within earshot of gunfire and bombs. She is nervous, agitated and cannot sleep. She suffers from headaches and heart palpitations.
When home, Muhammad, Fatima, and their four children, Sania, their only daughter, age 14, Muhammad Kamran, age 10, Muhammad Danyal, 7, and their youngest, Muhammad Ilyas, around 4, live near relatives in the village of Khar. Hopeful and undaunted by the threats that many journalists face, Sania aspires to follow in her father's footsteps. Muhammad Kamran, who "loves adventure" his father tells me, dreams of being a pilot. And Muhammad Danyal hopes to return to his classes. "He just wants an education as he loves school."
The family resides in a one room house – all activities are conducted within this single diminutive room, cooking, eating, living, and sleeping. Their only comfort is being in the proximity of their many family members, all of whom have lived most or all of their lives in this tribal region. Safe or not, it is home.
When working in Peshawar, Muhammad acts a sub-editor for the English language newspaper, The Statesman, he is also a member of the Peshawar Press Club. His job pays Rs 11,000 per month, or approximately $150 U.S. For this, he says he is grateful even though it barely provides food for him and his family. While in the city, he lives in a small hotel room and takes his morning meal at the Press Club canteen; in the evening he eats something at the office. When he writes to me, his messages are often brief, cut short by his apologies as power outages or "breakdowns" as he calls them, are frequent and limits his time on the computer.
Muhammad was born in February of 1967. He believes his wife Fatima is approximately five years younger. Neither of them have birth certificates, not unusual in the tribal areas. Their four children are the lights of his life. While the youngest is too small to attend classes, their older children did at one time, but now stay at home with Fatima, no longer attending school as it has become to dangerous for many of the village children to do so, especially precarious for young girls. Although he speaks with great love and adoration for his children, he often writes of Fatima, of his concern over her ill health, her fear and inability to sleep. He always closes by saying how beautiful she is, a good, caring woman with a kind heart. It is clear that he loves her.
This night, too, his note is shorter than usual. He talks of his growing fear due to increased threats against his life. Fatima wants him to find protection somewhere outside of Peshawar. He has nowhere and no one to turn to. His teeth are giving him great pain. This is the first time in nearly two years of correspondence where he complains of any personal health concerns, other than his wife's or children's. He tells me that for days now his teeth have given him excruciating pain and he cannot sleep. He takes analgesic tablets to help take the edge off, but it does little good. He signs off saying he will try to write more later.
Over these last two years I have gotten to know Muhammad and his family. I have been sent lovely photographs of his wife and children. And as he says, they are indeed beautiful. He asks for nothing – not even understanding or compassion. He is a proud man. He asks only that someone know of his situation, his plight, the changes in his beloved tribal village, the fear that he and his family and friends live with each day. When he does "complain" it is only to say that he feels invisible, his voice, silent. He wants the world to know what is happening in his home, how living in a constant state of fear is little by little, chiseling away at the well being of everyone he knows. He apologizes to me for being a "burden." I try to reassure him that he is not. He is a friend.
We can be critical or second guess or presume to know what it might be like to live in Muhammad's shoes. We can say be brave, strong, fear is what you make of it – don't let the "terrorists" run your life, otherwise they win – but in truth, these words ring hollow. We do not know what it feels like to live in this perpetual state of fear, to have such violence and uncertainty right outside our doors, nor do we understand the gut wrenching angst of fearing for the lives of our loved ones. We cannot presume to know these things – they are not ours to understand. It does not mean, however, that we cannot feel compassion and concern.
A native Californian, Jan Baumgartner is a freelance writer currently living in Maine. Her background includes scriptwriting, comedy writing for the Northern California Emmy Awards, and travel writing for The New York Times. She has worked as a grant writer for the non-profit sector in the fields of academia, AIDS, and wildlife conservation and anti-poaching for NGO's in the U.S. and Africa. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous online and print publications in the U.S. and internationally, including the NYT, Bangor Daily News, SCOOP New Zealand, Wolf Moon Journal, Media for Freedom Nepal, and Banderas News in Mexico. She's finishing a memoir about her husband's death from ALS and how travels in Africa became one of her greatest sources of inspiration and hope. She is a Managing Editor for OpEdNews.
A national summit of journalists in Lahore, organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), today adopted a plan of action to strengthen journalism and media ethics in Pakistan.
In what the IFJ describes as "a breakthrough moment" for journalism, the summit involving more than 120 journalists from throughout Pakistan endorsed a programme that will
- establish a national code of journalistic ethics; - develop a proposal for an independent media complaints commission; and - ensure that journalists across the country receive long-overdue wage increases.
News of the journalists' summit within the last 48 hours, suggests that there could be people there, in Pakistan, who may be able to help in immediate practical ways, for example with safe passage to a less volatile area for a time? I realise they are all in similar situations, but Muhammad Kurshid's family is in one of the most dangerous parts of the country, and the situation is very serious for them.
by
Aurora (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 381 comments)
on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 7:31:21 PM
for this information. I will pass it onto Muhammad. Unfortunately, he had to leave Peshawar yesterday to head home to Khar where he's attending the funeral of his 25 year old niece who just died of heart failure, leaving behind two small children. When he returns to the city and has internet access once again, he'll have the link you've provided here.
Thank you for offering up this information. Any little bit helps.
by
Jan Baumgartner (52 articles, 137 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 252 comments)
on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 7:40:26 PM
He could also approach Reuters to see if they have a correspondent in that area - They like to have someone "on the spot" where changes are taking place, and I believe have good remuneration.
Muhammads problems may resonate with us emotionally because Muhammad is a person that we know and not just a statistic in some far away place.
But if Bush is not impeached and the rule of law is not upheld, and those things are inherently political and may require a willingness to risk being divisive, then there is no chance for most of the people in places like where Muhammad lives because the ONLY government they see is corrupt government. American is currently modelling corrupt government. Moreover more places will become places like where Muhammad is living because if the rule of law is lost then terrorism, and bullying and standover tactic are not the exceptions between humans when the rule of law doesn't exist they are the norm.
Jan your heart is in the right place. But unless you recognize that politics is not something you can put aside, but something that you must engage in, even if it requires being divisive, then you head is in the wrong place and you will opt out of exactly those fights that you should be opting into to help Muhammad.
When President George W Bush says, I can authorise torture and I can launch aggressive invasions and that message from the worlds most powerful man goes out to the world then we have to be political. We have to be willing to be divisive. We have to say no, we are against torture and we are against aggressive invasion.
If Americans do not impeach their President they have failed Muhammad and people like Muhammad everywhere regardless of whether they feel good about giving him money and other assistance.
I am not saying don't help Muhammad as well. I am saying don't anybody American dare feel like they have done enough if you haven't got into politics and been willing to be divisive because you will be part of what makes Muhammads part of the world so dangerous. One Nancy Pelosi is more than enough.
by
Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 1042 comments)
on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 10:19:40 PM
for your comments. Let me underscore that while I know full well about the misguided fiasco of American politics abroad, and the havoc they can wreak, this article was written for humanitarian reasons.
There are times when we need to realize that first and foremost, and at a critical moment, fellow human beings need help. This site and others post articles on a near daily basis about the politics in this region and globally. This is not that. I hope you can understand that humanitarian crises - whether in Pakistan, Congo, Sudan, Afghanistan, etc., must be dealt with a sense of urgency - sadly politics doesn't always work that way.
Urgency means concern and compassion and action - NOW - not while we wait for corrupt leaders to figure out what the next ill fated move might be - time is of the essence. Most of us here understand that our role in much of international politics is to blame for many of the world's problems, but again, Muhammad and his family need help as do many others in the region -- not next month or next year or when politicians or analysts can figure out what the next move should look like. Survival doesn't always go hand in hand with the timetables of politics and politicians.
This piece is telling of the real time crisis of an individual who needs support at this very moment. So I stand by my comment that in a crisis situation, politics will only cloud any immediate action by humanitarians who want to help.
Thank you for your comments, I appreciate your point of view.
by
Jan Baumgartner (52 articles, 137 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 252 comments)
on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 10:52:16 PM
Muhammad has long worried me with his brave journalism. I've worried that he has put his life at risk. The cowards that would silence him and his counterparts should know that this is one man who the world is watching.
by
Rob Kall (869 articles, 4016 quicklinks, 345 diaries, 1847 comments)
on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 10:33:26 PM
and readers of this forum are watching him sometimes.
But the one the world is watching (including no doubt those that are threatening Muhammad) is the President of the United States. He gets the televison and media time. He gets held up as the role model. The one the world sees as the American model of unrepudiated success is the oathbreaking, law disregarding, war crime perpetrating, torturer in chief.
The worlds leading authorities on torture have made clear that it is categorical that the United States has tortured according to this video in Tony Forest's diary today.
If the United States President orders torture and remains the United States President what a warm inner glow of being on the right track to success every petty thug and standover man in Muhammads part of the world must feel. They must think to themselves that deep inside is a little American just trying to get out.
by
Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 1042 comments)
on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 11:05:19 PM
I do not have time to portray any time wasting argument or the level thereof of Jans call for us to respond. This is simple. A gentleman and his family need help. Whatever we consider the fulcrum issue(s), that is not important in this moment. Whatever we can do at this moment to respond is.
We have alternatives. We are each capable to pick whichever one we can offer up as we each see fit. This is about a family in need. Remember that and we can continue to do our other work regardless. Without each other, I hasten to offer we will only postpone seeing what is right in front of us.
All things considered, most of us here have the grace of a pretty good life. As sad and as difficult and as upsetting as all that has befallen our world in general, comparatively, Muhammad Khurshid's world I would say is beyond our determination, but within our understanding. He has offered for a long time his voice and his actions as a human voice from an area of great importance to him. He sits at our table. He needs help. Lets show up. We can talk later.
Thanx Jan.
peace
by
mikel paul (11 articles, 1 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 460 comments)
on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 12:14:30 PM
thank you, Mikel. Some need to further convolute a moment in time that needs nothing more than urgency. Compassion and understanding should be simple, but sadly, not always.
Unfortunately, there has been a glitch in the Comments Dept. for the last couple of days and half of the comments posted on this piece are not shown. I've received emails from those who posted positive, supportive comments for Muhammad, that their efforts are not here. Rob and the webmaster are working on this. I had hoped that these positive responses would have appeared so Muhammad would understand that there are those people who can step aside for a moment and let their hearts speak for them, but until this glitch is remedied, only a few of those who post will have their comments shown.
by
Jan Baumgartner (52 articles, 137 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 252 comments)
on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 12:45:46 PM
I am reminded of the many times when OEN writers have balked at Rob for requesting we use our real names for the sake of the site's integrity. Many wanted to retain internet handles or pseudonyms because of threats received for writing against our government. I've received my share in emails and on various websites.
But, this is the real deal folks. This is what it truly means to put your life on the line for your work and beliefs.
If you have the means, no matter how nominal, lend a hand to a fellow writer. There's no need, though, to fill this thread up with other things that people think we should focus on - you've got the rest of the website - and Internet for that matter - to write about other issues.
All the best to you and your family Muhammad.
Cheryl
by
Cheryl Biren-Wright (27 articles, 26 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 412 comments)
on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 12:46:18 PM
Pakistan Press Foundation Address: Press Centre Shahrah Kamal Ataturk Karachi-74200, Pakistan. Phones: (92)-(21)-2633215, 2627882 Faxes: (92)-(21)-2631275, 2631125 Email: ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org Their latest news item: PESHAWAR, Aug 3: The president of Khyber Agency Journalists Union, Khyal Zaman Afridi, received serious injuries when some armed persons attacked him at Akakhel Area of Bara, Khyber Agency, on Sunday morning. http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/
-----
The Asia Foundation - Pakistan P.O. Box 1165 Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: + 92 (51) 265-0523 Fax: + 92 (51) 265-0736 Email: tafpakistan@asiafound.org Jon L. Summers, Country Representative, Pakistan "The Asia Foundation has been active in mediating dialogues between civil society organizations and government for creating a supportive environment to uphold the rights of vulnerable populations, including women and the poor."
by
Aurora (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 381 comments)
on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 2:00:09 PM
I once advised Muhhamad to address Carter Center ( and provided a link) I know those folks at least are honest and can provide help.
But what help can be provided? I would say money will not provide security here, maybe even make him a target. He has to leave. He has to go away. I am sure that could sound against the principles but it makes no sense to stay there if there are such odds. I would say if he addresses Carter Center he should ask them to help him to leave.
by
Mark Sashine (54 articles, 19 quicklinks, 252 diaries, 3605 comments)
on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 2:46:26 PM
Thanks, Jan, for this extraordinary insight into our colleague's circumstances. I was one of the ones who had trouble posting my reply, yesterday … I am wondering, is it his goal to relocate?
There is much room here to philosophize and banter. But what it all boils down to is the parable of the starfish:
As a man walked a desolate beach one cold, gray morning he began to see another figure, far in the distance. Slowly the two approached each other, and he could make out a local native who kept leaning down, picking something up and throwing it out into the water. Time and again the native hurled things into the ocean.
As the distance between them continued to narrow, the man could see that the native was picking up starfish that had been washed upon the beach and, one at a time, was throwing them back into the water. Puzzled, the man approached the native and asked what he was doing.
"I'm throwing these starfish back into the ocean. You see, it's low tide right now and all of these starfish have been washed up onto the shore. If I don't throw them back into the sea, they'll die up here from lack of oxygen."
"But there must be thousands of starfish on this beach," the man replied. "You can't possibly get to all of them. There are just too many. And this same thing is probably happening on hundreds of beaches all up and down this coast. Can't you see that you can't possibly make a difference?"
The local native smiled, bent down and picked up another starfish, and as he threw it back into the sea he replied, "Made a difference to that one!"
And here is an opportunity for those of us here at OEN to "make a difference to that one."
I'll be sending my modest contribution to Rob later today.
by
Meryl Ann Butler (49 articles, 53 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 449 comments)
on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 3:17:12 PM
Must Read (
Well Said (
News (
Touching (
Funny (
Supported (
Interesting (
Inspiring (
Valuable (