Disabled Herat journalist who works for peace, co-existence

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A disabled journalist in western Herat province, OmaidHaqjo, who suffered a lot due to the conflict and violence, is working for peace and co-existence so that others don’t become victims like him.

Haqjo’s disability never discouraged his confidence, positive intentions and willingness to help other disables. He is now a role model for other physically challenged people and a symbol of bravery for Herat youth and his advocacy for peace ,special among disables, earned him membership of Asia Disables Welfare Conference.

Haqjo’s difficult days

Sitting on a wheelchair under the sun at the corner of his house, Haqjo narrated heart-touching story of his life as his eyes welled up.  He said the conflict converted his family’s happiness into a pain which will be carried with him entire life.

He said three decades back when he was not born; his family lived in a mud house in the Qarabagh locality of Herat’s Gulran district.

Haqjo said his mother and father lost eyesight as a result of a rocket that landed on their house fired by one of the conflicting sides.

“When I was born, my family was in trouble because my mother and father were suffering from their eyes injuries. I was brought up in a family that witnessed pain, disabilities, and several other health problems,” he recalled.

With a tissue paper, Haqjo dried up his tears and said after his birth, his mother and father were hopeful that with the new baby boy their lives trajectory may move in a positive direction, not knowing that more unfortunate things will happen.

He said he was 18-month old when he fell sick and his father took him to a nearby clinic in Gulran district where a health worker administered injection into his left leg that resulted in disabling of his one leg.

After medical probe it was ascertained that the cause of his disability was inaccurate administration of injection. Haqjo said he was enrolled in school at the age of five and went to school with the support of crutches.

Explaining his sad memories of school time, he said: “My classmate mocked me for my disability, they taken away my crutches and I was crying but I was firm and never surrendered. I was committed to completing education and this commitment helped me complete 12^th class and then graduated from Herat University journalism faculty.”

Haqjo’s peace efforts

After acquiring his journalism degree, Haqjo worked in different media outlets and said he picked journalism faculty in order to reflect the voices of war victims and victims of social violence and advocate for them.

He is among journalists who advocate against any kind of violence through photography and his profession.

He said he was committed to fighting against violence and conflict since he himself witnessed harmful effects of war and social violence thus he wanted to institutionalize the culture of peace, co-existence acceptance in society so that other don’t fall victims like him.

Haqjo said he traveled to far-flung areas and worked hard for peace and social justice but insecurity and lack of interest from previous regime did not help his mission.

He said the conflict in Afghanistan had left many people disabled besides its other harmful impacts. He said disabled people were always sidelined and never provided support and cooperation they deserved.

Haqjo is a photo journalist and from the past six years he caught several moments in his camera and advocated for peace.

What others think about Haqjo?

Abdul Rahim Radmanish, who also worked alongside Haqjo for peace, said Haqjo’s efforts and vision motivated him to decorate and paint the MalakGatway in Central Herat Bazaar at his personal expenses with messages of peace and advocacy for disables rights.

NagisSadiqi, another colleague of Haqjo, said all wished for peace and security, adding that Haqjo’s efforts were tireless.

She said Haqjo traveled to villages and districts to convey messages of peace and added all people were tired of war and everyone should understand that Afghans wanted peace.

They said Haqjo was part of disabled caravan that arrived last year in Herat City advocating for peace. Still he introduced to a new disabled child and explained to them his story so they could get encouraged for peace and stability.

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