Peace Journey by a Disabled young man in Pakistan
Rashid Razzaq is a disabled young boy of 19 years. He is an illiterate boy. Rashid is the
member of Special Attention Towards Handicapped (SATH). This is a centre for the disabled children for their education and
physiotherapy. SATH was started by a member of the District Peace Council (DPC) Toba Tek Singh. DPC is an initiative of Society for Human Development Toba Tek Singh. Muslim and Christian people are members
of the DPC. Most of the members of Local Peace Committee and Women Peace Groups formed by Society for Human Development are
working in Sath Centre. Sath is working for the empowerment and physical treatment of Special people regardless of religion,
creed, color and sex. Rashid Razzaq
also worked in the Sath centre with other workers. He learnt a lot form this centre. He worked to create good and friendly
relations among the Christian Muslim children.
Society for Human Development established a Mobile Library in 1999. In this Library,
the students and other members got books and gave on small hire. Rashid Razaq joined this Mobile Library. He made the groups
of the people and gave them books on small hire. If the people could not study the book then Rashid Razaq went to his friends
and told them to tell stories from the books to him, then Rashid went in the groups and told the story. Rashid is a brave
boy. He believes to be practical not in luck.
Though Rashid Razaq is disabled but he is very energetic and active in social activities.
He never felt himself as a disabled. He is a good singer. He took part in Mr. Toba Tek Singh Body Building Competition and
got good position in arms muscles.
After the recent suicidal attacks on the mosques in Sialkot and Multan which resulted in
more than 50 killings and over 100 injuries and a conspiracy to attack the church in Faisalabad was exposed, Rashad with the
help of SHD started a peace journey on October 10 and traveled on his tricycle from Toba Tek Singh to Faisalabad and its surrounding
small cities. Rashad traveled more than 180 Kilo Meters to promote peace and a call for the people to end terrorism in the
society.
The people of Toba Tek Singh gathered on this occasion and encouraged him for his good
work. When Peace Journey started people clapped and threw the petals of roses
on him and wished him good luck and safe journey. Both the Muslims and Christians were gathered at this occasion and they
extended their warm wishes for him. The representative of Pakistan Labor Party Toba Tek Singh, and distt Bureau Chief of Mazdoor
“Jedoojihid” interviewed him at this occasion. Rashid Razaq was of the views that he wanted to work for the peace
and harmony, good relationship among people. He further said that he would work for the prosperity and stability of the country.
He said that, on this Peace Journey occasion, I would give message of love, reconciliation,
harmony and brotherhood. He said this is my mission and I would take no rest
to for the fulfillment of my mission.
On the way to different stations, the Peace Journey stopped in Faisalabad. Society for Disabled Women welcomed the Peace Journey travelers. Mrs. Shamaila, Coordinator of Society
of Disabled Women and Sumaira George (disabled girl) field worker welcomed Rashid Razaq in SDW office. This organization is
also working for the disabled people in Faisalabad and other districts. Sumara George, a disabled girl said on this occasion that we are with Rashid
Razaq and will continue this Peace Journey and will take every step which helps promote peace in the world
Rashid completed this 180 kms peace journey in two days with a night stay in Faisalabad. He had decorated his tricycle
which he drives with his hands with posters of peace and with a white flag to proclaim peace.