JuD on front line of earthquake aid
REHANKOT: The United Nations says Pakistani charity Jamaatud Dawa is a front for a deadly militant group blamed for a bloody 2008 attack on the Indian city of Mumbai. But to survivors of this week's earthquake, the Islamist aid workers are heroes.
About 2,000 JuD volunteers fanned out across northern Pakistan after Monday's quake, highlighting the organisation's well-oiled disaster response.
JuD's freedom to operate despite US and UN sanctions contrasts sharply with an intensifying crackdown on international aid groups.
It also spotlights Pakistan's alleged reluctance to reign in anti-India militants, a potential flashpoint between the neighbours. India says Pakistan uses militants as proxy forces to attack India, charges that Pakistan denies.
This week, Information Minister Pervez Rashid told media that banned groups would not be allowed to provide aid.
But 50-year-old herbal healer Najib Alam, whose mud-and-stone house was damaged by the 7.5 magnitude quake, says the JuD are the only charity in his mountain village of Rehankot in the Upper Dir region.
"JuD are the only people here," Alam said, the floor of his wrecked home trembling as he pointed out missing chunks of wall.
The village's winding alleys were littered with rubble.
"Maybe those who preach humanitarianism like the US should come here and help us," Alam said.