A Faithful Connection Amongst Young Sufferers

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Amidst the unforgiving turmoil of Gaza, children face a daily battle for survival, navigating the relentless threats of bombs, bullets and missiles. But their struggles extend far beyond the scars of war, echoing the plight of millions worldwide: the gnawing ache of hunger. This stark reality is poignantly captured by the story of two young siblings who, in Pakistan, embark on a daily quest for sustenance by trading treasures from trash.

In Pakistan, these two siblings comb through the debris of everyday life, piecing together a meagre income that might offer respite from the grip of hunger. At day’s end, they count their meagre earnings but their choice to purchase bananas over bread speaks volumes. It’s a choice forced by a chilling ultimatum: succumb to unrelenting hunger or face the cold, barren ovens. The fortunate ones like them can buy but many wage a daily battle at garbage dumps, competing with stray dogs for leftovers as hunger eclipses fear.

Gaza, however, presents an entirely different dimension. Here, lives hang by the seconds, each tick of the clock a reminder of their vulnerability to the relentless cycle of conflict and scarcity.

The stark contrast is glaring when compared to the siblings in Pakistan. Here, they find a semblance of security—a refuge from the bombs and bullets. Yet they remain plagued by tangible threats as poverty and inequality deepen. The chasm between the affluent and the downtrodden has grown immeasurably wide. Basic dreams, such as owning a modest motorcycle or car, are relegated to the realm of fantasy for commoners.

Their hard-earned incomes barely suffice to cover the bare necessities, forcing agonising choices between food, education and healthcare. The notion of savings remains an elusive dream as few possess the means to set aside even the smallest amount.

The gravity of the situation becomes starkly evident in the heartbreaking reality that many lack the means to provide their departed loved ones with a dignified burial. This shared burden with Gaza reflects the resilience of those in both regions. In Gaza, people view such circumstances as a form of martyrdom, ready to “meet their maker”, be they men, women or innocent children. Meanwhile, the world stands silent witness to their suffering.

In Pakistan, the story takes on a different hue. Here, the “living dead” scrape by, tethered to the prohibitive costs of burials. Countless families find themselves in the heart-wrenching predicament of being unable to lay their departed to rest. Amid this darkness, glimmers of compassion emerge as individuals extend assistance to those in desperate need, sharing in the pain and loss of cherished human lives.

Life moves forward and business proceeds as if untouched by the suffering. Yet, beneath the surface, millions bear the heavy weight of their hardships, clutching onto a fragile hope for brighter days.

In the face of such adversity, the resilience of these children and their communities stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As the world watches, these individuals endure, ever hopeful that a brighter tomorrow will eventually dawn, where the children of Gaza find safety and the children of Pakistan find sustenance and dignity.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Khurram Butt