Friday, August 29, 2008
by Shahina Maqbool
THE NEWS
Islamabad
Of the 34 people who were killed in the August 19 suicide attack outside the emergency department of Dera Ismail Khan’s District Teaching Hospital, 20 were family members of Anser Abbas, a 28-year-old survivor whose only question to perpetrators of terrorism is: “What do you gain from ruining people’s lives and devastating their homes?”
Both arms of this hapless occupant of bed 8 in the Medical ICU of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) have had to be amputated owing to lack of prompt treatment. Yet, in spite of this lifelong disability, Anser was in high spirits as he spoke to ‘The News’ here on Thursday.
“The question ‘why me?’ has never crossed by mind. After all, it is the will of Allah,” Anser murmured through the oxygen mask. The freelance journalist, who holds a master’s degree in mass communication from Gomal University, hopes the government would take action against elements involved in acts of terrorism and sectarian violence. “A huge responsibility rests on the shoulders of politicians and religious leaders, who should play a constructive role in restoration of peace. So many people in D I Khan are abandoning their businesses in view of threats to their lives,” he said, “while the government watches in silence.”
Read full story and see pictures of Marty res. http://apnadera.com/dera/