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A family from Afghanistan struggled and went through heartbreaking incidents where the family lost a life in between the dry terrain mountains.
Afsoon, 56-year-old quoted, “My grandkids used to tremble as they heard gunshots during day and night in Afghanistan.” Afsoon expressed her fear of the family’s future and her sadness thinking of the life they would have to live, if they remained in Afghanistan which is their hometown.
During the very rapid political advancement in the province, the rebels were recruiting men and kidnapping young girls from their homes. She further added, “If families try to stop rebels, they will beat families and even try to kill family members who tried to stop them. To avoid the same fate for my family, I had no option but to leave the country and flee for safety.”
Packing the remaining food, Afsoon, and her six sons and their six wives and fifteen kids began their journey to Pakistan, where Afsoon’s elder brother lived peacefully for years as a refugee in Balochistan, Pakistan. The journey was hard for everyone, but it was perilous for her daughter-in-law. Afsoon narrated,
“The journey was very hard for my daughter-in-law, Gul Naz as she was eight months pregnant. Walking miles and sleeping on rough terrain, had a toll on her body. She had little information of what would happen when she went into labor as it was her first child.”
“On the way to Pakistan, my daughter-in-law started to bleed and there was nothing, we could do to stop the bleeding. It was the scariest night for my family. My daughter-in-law Gul Naz had a miscarriage, barely surviving the night.”, narrated Afsoon while getting emotional. She further added, “Upon entry in Pakistan through Chaman border-being the legendary gateway to Pakistan, has become a transit border for many Afghan families like us, trying to reach to safety. We took my daughter-in-law to the Lady Health Worker (LHV) in Hajizai, Pishin, where she was prescribed medicines and rest.”
“The day I left my hometown to come to safety, I knew things will work out for my family. My sons are working on daily wages, we have food most of the days, and now we have all the necessities, we needed to survive the winters. I am grateful for IRC to provide the kits.” She added with a smile.
Initially, when the family settled in Pishin, they had to figure out a way to earn money and bring food to the house. Within a week, unfortunately Gul Naz passed away at the night in her sleep. Afsoon and her family were shaken when the learnt about Gul Naz’s demise, that they refused to let Lady Health Worker (LHV) treat their younger daughter in law’s kid. Over a period of two weeks, the family had regained confidence in nearby Basic Health Unit (BHU) and took their younger one for medication for seasonal flu and fever.
Afsoon wonders what the family will do as winter approaches them. Her brother cannot spare a dime for food let alone blankets and necessities for winter. Afsoon’s prayers were answered when International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) representatives brought in dignit and winterization kits for the winter after identification. “I saw the representative walking in with kits to distribute in our refugee pocket. Everyone was in shocked and happy at the same time, we could see blankets, quilts, rugs, mattresses, warm clothes, and kitchen utensils. Everything we require for the winters to survive. I could not stop the tears in my eyes watching the angels walking to us.” Afsoon mentioned.
