Jalozai Camp blast: Another social worker falls to terrorism

The Express Tribune

Namesakes Perween Rahman and Humaira Parveen shared a similar purpose and unfortunately, the same fate. While Orangi Pilot Project Director Perween Rahman was shot dead in a targeted attack in Karachi last week, Humaira Parveen, a social worker from Peshawar, died in a car-bomb explosion in Jalozai Camp, which claimed at least 17 lives and injured another 28 on Thursday. Humaira, a health worker, would educate people on hygiene matters. Both women, determined to change society, eventually died while doing what they believed in. Colleagues said in her death the local aid organisation BEST NGO has lost a guide. “We considered her a sister to all staff members because she was older than all of us,” said an employee, requesting anonymity. “We consulted her when any of us had a problem in the office or in the field. She was our guide when we needed her most and would tell us we need to use our education and skills to bring betterment in society.” Humaira, 32, belonged to Tehkal village and had joined the NGO, around six months ago, as a hygiene promoter. Her job was to encourage internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jalozai Camp to adopt habits that would keep them safe from waterborne diseases. Five women of the organisation were injured in the blast. While Humaira died at the Lady Reading Hospital, the others are said to be in stable condition. “We will always miss her leadership skills and commitment to bring change,” said BEST NGO Managing Director Hamesh Khan. “It will be a long time before someone can take her place.” Speaking about whether the NGO will continue its work, Khan said it depends on the directives of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority whether social work will be suspended. He added Huamira was paid a monthly salary for the project and the organisation cannot provide financial aid for her children. The provincial government should announce monetary compensation for her family, stated Khan. In a statement issued by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network, Coordinator Idrees Kamal said: “We strongly condemn the bomb blast in Jalozai Camp and demand security provisions for aid workers. We pay tribute to NGO workers who, despite threats, have continued their struggle to help the needy.”