Foreword

Pakistan is at war with terrorists, who wish to suppress the society to their own brand of Islam. Their primary target has been modern education. They have targeted schools, especially girls schools. The effects are most felt in the whole of Malakand Division, of which Swat is the central part and had the highest literacy rate among the Pashtuns, compared to those of other settled areas even including Afghanistan. A fundamental element of any anti-terrorism strategy is to spread education as much as possible, at the minimum to help sustain the existing education process.

The very important segment of war victims, are the students enrolled at various universities, professional and graduate colleges. A sizeable number of these students at various levels are unable to continue their studies as the sources of income of their parents have dried up. The Government of NWFP as a relief has waived off the tuition fee for these IDP students. Private educational institutions have also announced various levels of concessions. However, it must be realized that the tuition fee is only a part of the whole educational budget. The students need books, stationery and, equally importantly, their hostel and related expenses. There is a geniune fear that most students will not continue their studies.

These youngsters who were harbingers of social and political change suddenly are becoming prone to a meaningless future and thus a potential recruits for something much dangerous than the mostly illiterate terrorists of today. WE, all should help to avert an impending Human Disaster and contribute to a better, more humane and peaceful Earth, not only Pakistan.