It was late; the big clock on the wall showed 6:03 PM PKT on September 7, 2025. But I sat here pondering and trying to examine, with the searching hand of contemplation, the gouge marks made by August in Buner. The atmosphere carried the weight of loss, and parents rarely shared stories about how entire families were swept away suddenly, 36 members from one, 24 from another, a wedding home reduced to a cemetery. Amidst this destruction, the
Pukar project of Awaam Pakistan emerged as a savior, turning political rhetoric into reality. It is not okay; it is a movement that redefines the meaning of service, showing that the truth about politics lies in action, not in words or speeches.
The August 15 Tragedy: Destruction Across Buner
The tragedy happened on August 15, as heavy rains caused widespread destruction across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Buner being the most severely affected. A friend spoke with a farmer in Qadir Nagar who couldn’t describe how ruthless the runoff waters are, how they take lives without giving people a chance to realize what is happening.
Immediate Response and Relief Efforts
Awaam Pakistan, led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and supported by Miftah Ismail, didn’t wait for instructions. Within a few hours, an emergency committee was formed in Islamabad, called the Flood Relief Committee, led by Imran Shaukat and Dr. Tariq Cheema. Donations flooded in, and 200 packages were sent to families. This quick response embodied the party’s motto: When people call, Awaam Pakistan responds.
Medical Camps and Humanitarian Aid on the Ground
This mission, as outlined in the newsletter Pukar, takes a practical approach. APP senior member and advocate Amin Yousafzai and his son, Dr. Rashid Amin Khan, have already arrived to provide relief in Qadir Nagar and Batai Kalay, and to set up medical camps where none existed before.
Stories of Resilience and Dignity
I met a mother who had lost her husband, and her eyes lit up when she received a relief box for households and a soft toy for her child, a little Rebel, showing a smile of hope. The boxes, made of cold-resistant, reusable containers, were eco-friendly and a convenient way to promote sustainability, similar to those used for parties and events.
Youth and Women: The Heart of Pukar
Here, the Awaam Pakistani youth have been the heart of the nation. Young volunteers from Swat and Lower Dir (Talash) joined the effort, and their youthful energy stood in sharp contrast to the ruins. I saw a group unloading supplies with determined expressions, clearly convinced that their own hands held the key to the future.
Field Leadership and Dedication
This dedication was exemplified by Dr.Tariq Cheema, who arrived in the country at 3:00 a.m. and spent part of a day in the field, only to then lead a medical mission in Shangla. His resilient determination reminded me of a political figure who turned boardrooms into shattered villages, an uncommon phenomenon in Pakistani politics.
Women’s Empowerment in Relief
Women have also taken a leading role. An operative observed Gulrukh Bukhari meet with affected women and offer them support through a nurturing approach, addressing gender differences. This reflects the vision of Awaam Pakistan, which advocates for empowerment, an idea I found meaningful in the call for inclusion in the Awaam Pakistan Vision document. The party is not just ensuring survival but restoring dignity, sharply contrasting with the neglect the elite have inflicted on the nation. The document tells the story of Pakistan’s decline,a once prosperous and developed country, and underscores why the nation needs such measures now.
Operationally, the performance was a masterpiece. Imran Shaukat and his team did excellent work in packaging and delivering procurements and relief to Buner promptly. There is an organization that runs distribution sites, where I arrived to find volunteers sorting items like rice, lentils, and soap. It was a single box, a testament to an organized routine. The use of a human touch and the introduction of soft toys, with one child held tightly to another, showed that crisis responses often lack a human element. It was not charity, but community in action, contradicting the idea that political parties are only about ideas.
Systemic Challenges and Unanswered Questions
Yet, questions remain. The floods highlighted systemic weaknesses in measures, such as inadequate infrastructure and ineffective alert systems. Communities pointed to the government, with Buner criticizing authorities for doing nothing to prevent the disasters. Awaam Pakistan has responded swiftly, contrasting with such inaction, but can it maintain this ongoing effort without further reforms? The inspiring Pukar initiative makes a difference, yet it addresses only a fraction of the demand, as floods have claimed more than 700 lives across Pakistan since June. The party’s vision document promises constitutional supremacy and decentralized governance; however, turning these promises into reality will test its commitment to challenge seasoned elitists.
Global Parallels and Long-Term Impact
Communities are recreating this mission internationally through recovery efforts in Rwanda and grassroots resilience initiatives in Vietnam, and South Asia can replicate it as well. Locally, it might mobilize young people in Buner, similar to the 2011 uprising in Tunisia, if such political empowerment accompanies it. The use of long-term impact depends on funding and coordination, challenges that the party needs to address to avoid becoming just another temporary relief program.
A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Ruins
Currently, it serves as a beacon of hope as its green and blue flags wave over the ruins. A vivid image of a young girl on the cover of Awaam Pakistan Vision haunts me, and her smile symbolizes a plea for the future. Calling that, Pukar responds that politics can be a service. When the team left Buner, one of the fathers burst into thanks to the team, his voice trembling with emotion. It is this transformation that Pakistan needs: eyes in the workplace, hearts at home. Awaam Pakistan must effect systemic change, foster international solidarity, and continue to elevate the voice of the Awaam to sustain this movement. Only then can Pakistan rise above its floods, not just survive, but thrive and prosper.
