Patients need care
Unfortunately, the Peshawar school tragedy is turning out to be just another one of those instances that get relevant governments talking while little is really done. The federal government was quick to stitch together the NAP, for example, yet the enemy is clearly ahead of the curve and far more proactive. Its audacity – not to mention attacks – has, in fact, increased over the last two months. And, worse, there are reports indicating that students and teachers who survived the school attack – and who were promised treatment by the KP government – have been badly let down.
The Shuhada-o-Ghazi forum, which represents families of survivors and the deceased, chose not to interact with the media, but said enough to indicate that KP government’s promises of financial compensation have not been honoured. Nor has the medical treatment in Peshawar been up to the mark. That is why some 35 of the more seriously wounded are moving to Karachi over the next 10 days. And it speaks volumes that the transfer has also been planned and carried out by those affected and suffering, not any provincial or federal government.
It is bad enough that these people had to suffer because of the nation’s war. The incident is without parallel in modern history in terms of sheer barbarity. Even Russia’s infamous Beslan massacre ten years ago was primarily a hostage attempt, and children were killed when Russian Spetsnaz stormed the school. But Peshawar was a deliberate massacre, not an attempt at negotiation or prisoner swap. It behoves relevant government offices, therefore, to go the extra mile in relieving those affected in every way possible. Proper medical care and financial assistance should be the first things for the government to provide. And it should have been ensured immediately after the tragedy. It is simply unacceptable that these people have to run from pillar to post to have their voices heard, and are forced to take matters in their own hands. They must be handled with the utmost care. The government must show them that it grieves with them, and will provide every assistance possible.