ard times often serve as the ultimate litmus test for the strength and resilience of a people. The 2022 floods, which began on June 15 and lasted until mid-November, wreaked havoc on 33 million Pakistanis – half of them children. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Sindh was the worst affected province, with 4.8 million acres of land submerged; followed by 2.7 million acres in the Punjab; and 1.2 million acres in Balochistan.

The floods should have served as a clarion call for the world’s developed nations to come together and take meaningful action against the devastating effects of climate change. But the tragedy of history lies in our failure to learn from it. Instead of responding with urgency, we continue to witness the same cycle of apathy and destruction repeat itself.

Those familiar with rural life in our country know well that for many, their homes and small plots of agricultural land are their only possessions. Over a lifetime, they build these homes – and if fortune favours them – rebuild them for the next generation. It is difficult to fathom the anguish of watching an entire life’s savings swept away by the merciless, rebellious waters of a flood. Countless families endured this excruciating loss. There was little they could do to save their belongings.

To truly grasp the trials and tribulations of the flood affected, one need look no further than the powerful photobook Mawakhat. Its title – translating to fraternity – is symbolic of the message it seeks to convey. This book compiles around one hundred stories of unmatched hope and resilience.

This book documents the flood relief and rehabilitation efforts led by Akhuwat, the non-government organisation. In response to the devastation, Akhuwat devised an extraordinary two-tier recovery framework to help flood-affected communities rebuild their lives.

The first phase focused on immediate assistance – providing rations, cooked meals, cash support, clothing and medical care. The second phase addressed long-term recovery, supporting the reconstruction of homes, revival of small businesses and restoration of agricultural land. These initiatives were made possible through the provision of interest-free loans.

During these harrowing times, Dr Amjad Saqib, founder and chairman of Akhuwat, personally visited the affected areas. In the foreword, he recalls being deeply moved by the people’s unwavering will to live in the face of overwhelming loss. Inspired by their resilience, Akhuwat undertook determined efforts to raise awareness of their suffering. The organisation ultimately helped rebuild more than 6,000 homes across Pakistan – a powerful testament to its commitment and expertise in humanitarian work.

In Sindh and southern Punjab, where floods once washed away whole worlds, communities are quietly rebuilding – one home, one story, one heartbeat at a time.

These stories have been brought to life by Faizan Ahmed, a visual storyteller and author of Lahore by Metro. This is a compelling testament to his artistry and compassion. The haunting photographs, paired with equally moving narratives, transport the reader to the very heart of the catastrophe. This is not just a book – it is a mirror reflecting the indomitable spirit and extraordinary perseverance of those whose lives were upended by an unimaginable deluge.

Nearly all the stories documented in Mawakhat brim with emotion and resilience. Some leave an especially lasting impression. One such account is that of Muhammad Iqbal from Khairpur, Sindh. He recalls, “Bone cancer, one leg amputated, life could not get worse, but then the rains came. My wife had always stood by my side. Even when I didn’t want to burden her with my disability, she said to me, ‘I will stay with you no matter what happens.’ Those words of her unshakeable commitment and love etched themselves deeply into my heart. True to her words, she was by my side when the walls of our house caved in.”

Gulnaz Khan, another flood survivor from Sukkur, recounts a similarly heart-wrenching experience. She says, “The rains seemed endless. For two weeks straight, our families remained cooped up in one room. My back ached from sitting awake at night, listening to the constant drip of water from the ceiling. All our sources of income came to a halt. There were days when we would go without food.“ She goes on, “A home is truly like heaven, you know. I am so relieved that I can continue my life here (in the rebuilt home) in peace.“

Even if I were to write a thousand lines to capture the significance of what we call a home, they would fall short of conveying the depth of grief felt by those who watched their homes crumble and wash away before their very eyes. In the rural areas of Pakistan, having a roof of one’s own is possessing an entire world—something people take immense pride in; so much so that once they have a home, some people aspire for little else in life. A home is what gives their life a sense of wholeness; it is what completes them.

The cover story of this book throws thinkers into a whirlpool of mixed emotions – oscillating between being deeply moved by the smile on the affected person’s face and the dilapidated condition of his home. The account of brave Sadiq Ali is one of utmost grit and fortitude. He reminisces, “The rains lasted for about three months. During that time, there were days when it poured relentlessly without pause. One time, we sat under a dripping roof for four consecutive days. The mill I had worked at was closed, so we had no source of income. As if that was not enough, the foundation of our house gave way. I would not wish such hardship on my worst enemy. Thank God we have now built a stronger home for our family.”

The personal accounts of Muhammad Ashiq, Badshah Khan and Muhammad Hanif are certain to fill readers’ hearts with a sense of social responsibility and profound admiration. Mawakhat is a powerful testament to the unyielding spirit of our Pakistani brethren, whose stories of struggle and perseverance shine as beacons of hope and inspiration. Each narrative is a moving exploration of the human condition, prompting readers to pause, reflect and connect with the emotions within. Evocative photographs, elegant prose and poignant descriptions make this book an indispensable addition to any collection.

While sharing his story, Mohrat Khan from Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adds a heartwarming line: “So, after the floods, it was our turn to band together and rebuild our house – our large family home that has more hearts than rooms.”

The writer is a storyteller with an MPhil in English. He may be reached at usama.malick183 @gmail.com