Mawakhat, meaning ‘solidarity between haves and have-nots,’ is a word associated with a pivotal moment in Islamic history, when citizens of Mecca, the Muhajireen or immigrants, relocated to Medina to escape religious persecution. The people of Medina, the Ansar or helpers, welcomed the migrants selflessly, sharing half of their wealth to help them start a new life; this is the spirit of kinship that inspires the work of Akhuwat.
In the summer of 2022, Pakistan faced the world’s deadliest floods of the last few years. The monsoon caused record levels of rainfall, totalling 370mm between July and August— about 210% above the average. The unrelenting rains, combined with melting glaciers due to climate change, resulted in severe flooding across the country. Out of the 33 million Pakistanis, who were impacted, 1,700 people lost their lives to the floods. In addition, crops, livestock, infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods were affected. The floods fully or partially damaged more than 2 million houses across the country.
Akhuwat carried out rehabilitation efforts across the four provinces of Pakistan and helped build about 6,000+ houses for the affectees through interest-free loans. Moreover, Akhuwat successfully supported over 10,000 entrepreneurs and farmers by providing them interest-free loans.
During the rehabilitation efforts, Akhuwat also compiled about one hundred stories and portraits of the families who rebuilt their houses through Akhuwat’s support.
The stories from Mawakhat take us to different areas of Pakistan and reveal to us the lives of people who were left homeless by the floods. These stories capture their vulnerability and invincible strength in the face of crises. They share with us the pains they suffered during the floods and the misery that befall them after they lost their homes. They also share with us their dreams and hopes and how they look forward to rebuilding their lives.
The stories in this book share the plight of the families who lost everything but hope. Despite the dire circumstances, their faith in life remained unwearied. Families endured terrible living conditions in tents, living without food and clean water. They always believed that society would not leave them alone and would bring them and their loved ones back to their homes. They hoped to build homes much stronger than the ones washed by the floods.
Dr. Sohail Chughtai
Chairman Chughtai Foundation
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Mawakhat is a book where every frame tells a story. Covering four provinces, this book features over one hundred portraits and stories and captures the struggles, hopes, and triumphs of the brave and resilient people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2022.