THE other day I came across several families on their way to Afghanistan on a self-imposed exile, but they were stopped by the Frontier Corps at Mirkhani, a few kilometres from the Arandu border.

According to these protesters, the prime minister’s aid worth Rs100m for earthquake victims did not reach them. The inefficient district administration only enlisted the victims in two categories — partially damaged and fully damaged — but distributed the money among persons of their own choice. The deserving people protested and observed sit-ins for many days against the unjust and unfair distribution of relief funds; but their sit-ins bore no fruits and their complaints fell on deaf ears of the authority concerned.

No one heeded their entreaties and none came to their help. They have been without shelter and aid since October last despite the prime minister’s promises. Now they have reluctantly decided to move to Afghanistan. If this happens, it would create a very bad image for Pakistan in the world.

The authorities concerned should look into the matter and resolve the matter before it is too late.

Khalid Zadar

Mastuj, Chitral

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2016