Miracles at Ichra

I was recently in Lahore, Pakistan and had the opportunity to visit BRAC programs in the vicinity. The Lahore regional office is located in a district called Gulberg III, which should be renowned for the World’s most obtuse street numbering system. After receiving conflicting directions from locals, I eventually caught up with Mr. Ikramul Haq, the regional manager, and his colleague Anisur Rahman, project manager for BRAC Pakistan’s microfinance program. The three of us then set off to visit the BRAC branch office at Ichra, one of 12 branches within a 30KM radius overseen by the regional office.

Over the din of the rickshaw engine and passing traffic, with dust streaming in from either side, Mr. Haq and Mr. Rahman told me more about our destination. Ichra is best known for its shopping center. Consumers of varied class and income convene there for textiles, clothing, marble, and onyx. The quality and value of raw materials at the Ichra market lure designers and retailers looking to source materials. On an average day 90% of shoppers at Ichra Market are women. That seemed to parallel the demographics of our microfinance programs and explained why most of the loans currently executed by the Ichra branch are enabling beneficiaries to become market participants or engage in related trades. Notably, there had been no defaults on loans since the program was introduced in March 2008, nor any overdue payments

Mr. Haq told me about an amazing day in Ichra’s history. In Marc h 1978, two feet of snow fell there and remained frozen for over two weeks. Not only are there very few instances of snowfall in this region but the snow somehow fell only on Ichra, nowhere else in the vicinity, nor in Lahore. The miraculous event became national news and brought much joy to the people of Ichra.

Though perhaps less dramatic than inexplicable snowfall, the employees of BRAC Pakistan are making miracles happen for the people they serve, bringing them the opportunity to empower themselves and their loved ones. BRAC USA thanks them for all they are doing in aid of our common cause.

- Asim Fareed