March 1, 2006	Wednesday	Muharram 30, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 28: Television and film stars and poets on Tuesday pledged to bring smile back on the faces of the quake survivors traumatised by memories of the devastating October 8 quake.

As part of a new programme called “Zindagi Phir Muskurai”, Qari Roohullah Madani, Jahangir Khan, Sania Saeed, Shafi Mohammad, Khalid Abbas Dar and Jawad Ahmed pledged to heal the wounds of the quake survivors, said a press release issued by the Emergency Hygiene and WES Communication Unit, Ministry of Environment.

“Celebrities have used their influence and charm to promote various causes over the years,” said Minister for Environment Tahir Iqbal. The nation should be proud of having such renowned personalities here today to pledge to contribute their time and energy to helping the quake survivors, he added.

As Friends for Smiles, these and other renowned poets, artists, TV/film stars, sports persons, social workers, journalists, religious leaders and writers will visit field sites to participate in events and activities promoting health, hygiene, water and sanitation and child protection issues in a subtle way, while also providing entertainment and stress relief to the quake survivors.

Their activities will be telecast as part of 30 one-hour programmes called “Zindagi Phir Muskurai”.

“Experience has shown that people respond well to subtle, indirect and entertaining methods of conveying awareness raising and behaviour change messages, particularly when celebrities or renowned personalities are involved,” said Federal Health Secretary Syed Anwer Mahmood.

The special involvement of public figures also makes people feel important and lifts their spirits, which is important for the quake survivors.

The entire programme comes under a partnership between the ministries of environment and health, Unicef, WHO and a local private television channel. The launching programme held at the National Library on Tuesday will be telecast by the private TV channel next week.

“The need for raising awareness of health and hygiene issues among the survivors remains as strong now as it was 150 days ago when the quake ravaged the northern Pakistan,” said Omar A. Abdi, Unicef representative.

Through “Life Smiles Again”, the TV channel will reinforce health and hygiene messages in a subtle way lifting spirits of the survivors and giving their morale a boost with visits by celebrities and renowned personalities, he said.

As part of the programme, the channel will hold educational events involving the “Friends for Smiles” in camp settlements of Shangla, Mansehra, Battagram, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot and Neelum Valley.

“Zindagi Phir Muskurai” will be telecast in prime time twice a week for four months. Each programme will contain both live and recorded segments, including the “Friends for Smiles” events, with subtle messages on hygiene and WES issues like sanitation, use of latrines, hand washing and safe water, etc.