On this morning's NPR I was touched by the story of Parveen Rehman.
Recently assassinated by motorcycle-gunmen, she was the director of the Orangi Pilot Project, a non-profit organization trying to bring basic services and improved conditions to the poor of Karachi, many many of whom live as squatters in unsafe, illegal, and in every way sub-standard housing. Her organization helped communities learn to maintain their own environments, including sanitation, health, housing and critical micro-financing.
Ms. Reman had studied architecture and worked for a famous architect on the design of a luxury hotel... until, one day, she asked herself, "Who is this serving?" She walked out the door without her paycheck. Found a job helping the poor.
For this she is gunned down?
Parveen Rehman - believed public domain photo
According to a BBC article, it is presumed that, in investigating land speculation, she learned too much about local criminal groups' real estate activities - they silenced her.
NPR audio clip HERE. BBC news article HERE.
