Little respite for those displaced by fighting

Islamabad: The massive displacement crisis Pakistan faces has exposed much that is wrong with its society. The lack of organisation in camps has been palpable, with heat, inadequate sanitation and poor food all taking their toll.

The situation for the many displaced people who have chosen to live with relatives is barely better, since many face over-crowded living conditions and unemployment.

But as is the case with every crisis, the good in society has also been shown. In Lahore, along a busy roadside, Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi, Pakistan's most eminent philanthropist, sat in his wheelchair despite the blazing sun to personally collect donations. Those who came up to put a few crumpled notes or coins into Edhi's gnarled hands included schoolchildren, police officers on duty and commuters.

"I had a little money to pay for a wagon ride home. But I am happy to walk and give up my money so some child from Swat can get a meal," said Zeeshan Hassan, 12, a schoolboy.

He also said he had been inspired by Edhi and wished to do "good work" when he was older.