Across Pakistan, uncommon heroes are arising in response to the worst natural devastation in the country’s history. One of them is Ali Siddiqui, head of the JS group, a financial services conglomerate employing 23,000 with stakes in companies in transportation, agriculture, energy and the like. Though only 33 years old, Ali is a man of vision, courage and great spirit. While too many complain that government isn’t providing services, he and his family and employees have just gotten on with the business of bringing their skills and resources to do what they can against the odds — which is ultimately what it takes to bring about change.
Ali has mobilized the family’s companies owned by the JS Group to set up and run five camps serving more than 10,000 displaced individuals and providing food supplies to more than 20,000. He works with the army, the military, the UN and grassroots NGOs, and in this way, has created strong relationships that have allowed the camps to function relatively smoothly. He spends five days a week in southern Punjab and Sindh, problem-solving, troubleshooting and ensuring the steady flow of what has become a major operation. His family has donated significant financial resources, but what amazes me is how they’ve mobilized others to enable them to give, having raised nearly $1 million for their relief efforts in the camps.
Ali has 15 or 20 of the company’s senior people working closely with him on everything from partnerships to logistics to working with the United Nations. Rather than wait for international food rations, his team works through bank offices to identify the best prices at local markets and puts together packages that feed 20,000 people daily. Ali’s beautiful wife Saira and brother-in-law (also named Ali) spend considerable time fundraising and giving other types of support.
Yesterday, we visited three of the camps with Ali and a small team, meeting military officers and police who provided us security, speaking with camp residents and listening to the stories of children survivors. We were amazed by the efficiency of operations and the strong relationships among different organizations working together. Mostly, we were humbled by Ali’s leadership. Indeed, one of his slightly younger employees, Imran, told me that he was in the camps because Ali inspired him daily to give all he can to the world.
As David Bowie sings, “We can be heroes.” Ali Siddiqui and the JS Group are showing the power of the private sector to move quickly, nimbly and efficiently. He is saving lives and changing perceptions of what role business can play in responding to crisis and in building a country that needs to believe in itself. It starts with leadership, and Pakistan — and the world — needs more individuals like Ali Siddiqui to show the way.
If you want to donate directly, please give to the Mahvash And Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation, go here.
Jacqueline Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Acumen Fund and the author of The Blue Sweater. She is currently traveling in Pakistan to witness the impact of the floods first-hand. Visit OntheGround.pk to see up-to-date news, stories, and photos related to the floods in Pakistan, and to learn about ways you can help.
This post originally appeared in The Huffington Post on September 2, 2010.
Dear Jacqueline Novogratz,
God Bless You
Very nice to know that you was in Pakistan and working on Flood relief. It is great pleasure for me to introduce Society for Community Restoration to your goodself. SCR is non-profit Organization registered under societies Act 1860 in Pakitan.
SCR is fully enganged in Flood Relief work in Pakitan. You can visit our webpage http://www.scrpak.org for further details.
We are very small orgnization in Pakistan and want to be your volunteer partner to serve the nation vastly.
Thanks and best regards
Dr. Nadeem Pervaiz
Founder/ President
Society for Community Restoration
Every year we wait for the monsoon season to come and beat the heat of summer’s spell. The lovely rains that blossoms the trees and lightens up the atmosphere, the wonderful weather where romanticism revolves in the air for 2 months atleast. It’s altogether a lovely feeling throughout July and August.
But all of a sudden, this year’s monsoon actually brought sadness over the faces; it became a wrath of God. Every single province in Pakistan got traumatized due to the rains. As this year’s rain brought in a huge Flood, shattering houses, taking away lots of lives. From the top to the bottom, Pakistan is all under water. Killing Water!
What is happening? Such destruction? So much rain that not even dams can stop them? Did our Meteorological department know about such heavy rain falls and disaster caused by it? Was our irrigation department prepared? Did our ecological department plan about it? Did people have any idea how worse it can be? Did people prepare? Did people get time to think over it and prepare?
Obviously there is no answer.
The rains started, the sewerage system got occupied. People started running towards their home to take their families to a place where it’s not raining heavily. They are on their way to other cities/areas, the bridges collapsed, roads broke into pieces. Even the mountains loosen up, huge rocks started to fell on causing road blocks. One to another, people got caught into problems, where there was No way out.
The people who went on holidays, vacations, honeymoons etc got trapped in the beautiful northern areas of Pakistan. Up on the hills, where there is no food, water, access to any store; they are stuck up in their own realm of problems. Where helicopters and government officials will have to go there to help them but due to heavy rains, they couldn’t go there even. It’s a distressing & painful state.
The flood started from Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, entering Sindh via Baluchistan and parts of Punjab.
As always our Forces are always there to take care of us, to protect us and save our lives. Army along with Air Force and Navy rescued many affected people but still several died and drowned in the water. Still Navy and its Commandos are trying to save lives in flooded areas of Sindh, though it just entered Sindh but created a mess there too.
Prediction is that this situation will calm down by mid August 2010 but will not end until September.
But one must appreciate the spirit of Pakistanis; everybody is there to help their native brothers and sisters. People are collecting & providing clothes, money, medicines, food etc all what they can think of, to the camps created by Armed Forces in different localities, as people cannot return to their homes due to no electricity, gas and major necessities of life.
Electric supply, Gas and all such pipelines were closed to avoid fire and current in water, which could have lead to several deaths. Already a great number of people have already died within a week’s time.
Well, one can take preventive measures always. People should avoid travelling, whether it is through any mode. People should store lots of food & medicines in their home. But then again, can one stop flood coming into their homes? Gosh NO!
Although these Disasters being Natural are not without Human Involvement!
..
This is a humanitarian crisis, and one should really not consider the nationality of the families dieing due to such a crisis. It is so unfortunate that people are considering nationalities when giving aid to individuals including little children. I think this is an opportunity for people, regardless of race, religion or color, to unite.
SWO is working in effected areas of Sindh from the first day with its team of Doctors and Caregivers but we need help, we urgently need following items:
1. Mosquito nets.
2. Snake Bite Injections.
3. Food stuff.
4. Tents.
5. Drinking Water.
6. US Dollars 70000
We are looking towards International Community for their support and help. Remember, God loves those who love humanity.
“I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this.” – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Sincerely yours,
Mehtab Qureshi
President
Saharo Welfare Organization (Regd)
http://www.saharo-pk.com
Phone: +92-021-37677933
JN,
Once again you have demonstrated your commitment to Pakistan and empowerment.
Your visit to the camps and spreading the word to the Western audience, is key to sustainable support.
Najmi and I were in Pakistan and it is heartening to note that just like Ali, Edhi and Imran Khan- to name just two- are also in the field helping the affected.
Best
Malik