With Ramazan comes the spirit of giving
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KARACHI:
The ongoing economic crisis, characterised by skyrocketing prices and low income, has left many middle-class and low-income families struggling to meet their basic needs during the holy month of Ramazan. As a result, an increasing number of families are seeking financial and material assistance to afford food and other essentials for Sehri and Iftar.
Philanthropists and welfare organisations in the metropolis have stepped up their relief efforts, distributing ration bags and Eid gifts to support those in need. Due to the rising cost of essential commodities- reported to have increased by more than 35% – ration bags valued below Rs10,000 are being distributed to deserving families.
Jamal Sethi, a social worker involved in Ramazan ration distribution, stressed the importance of this holy month, during which people fast and worship while also striving to secure food for their families. He referred to the economic distress faced by lower-income families, saying that the most pressing issue is securing two daily meals.
With this in view, large-scale aid programs have been launched in Karachi, ensuring that food supplies reach struggling families. However, Sethi stressed the need for long-term solutions, calling for employment-generating initiatives to help low-income households become self-sufficient.
Aamir Madani, a trustee of a prominent welfare organisation, said that this year’s relief efforts have expanded compared to previous years. He credited the city’s philanthropists for their unwavering commitment to supporting the underprivileged through donations, zakat, and charity. Aid distribution has been organised at several levels, including neighbourhoods and mosques.
Volunteer Muhammad Kashif Khan reported that several anonymous donors and social organisations have been involved in providing aid since the beginning of Ramazan. Tens of thousands of impoverished families are expected to receive ration bags and Eid gifts before the 25th of Ramazan. These donations, which include food, clothing, and cash, are distributed without discrimination based on ethnicity or community.
According to Imran-ul-Haq, an official overseeing ration distribution for a local charity, the value of ration bags typically ranges between Rs5,000 and Rs15,000. These packages include essential items such as flour, sugar, pulses, gram flour, chickpeas, cooking oil, ghee, dates, and bottled syrup. Many philanthropists procure these items in bulk from wholesalers, department stores, and grocery shops, ensuring an organised and efficient distribution process throughout the month.
Grain trader Rauf Ibrahim spoke about the significant increase in commodity prices, with the cost of essential goods like sugar, pulses, rice, ghee, and oil fluctuating daily. This has directly impacted the affordability of ration bags, compelling many donors to limit their contributions to under Rs10,000 per package.
Despite these challenges, welfare organisations remain committed to their mission. Taha Ateeq, a director at a leading charity, said that in addition to ration bags, Eid gift packages are being distributed to low-income families. These packages typically include traditional shalwar kameez, footwear, and Eid allowances ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs2,000, ensuring that struggling families can celebrate the occasion with dignity.
Several renowned welfare organisations are participating in the relief efforts, including Saylani Welfare, Al-Khidmat Pakistan, Chhipa Foundation, Edhi Foundation, Al-Qadir Foundation, Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation, Alamgir Welfare Trust, Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust, and Jafaria Disaster Cell (JDC). Their distribution networks ensure that aid reaches deserving families efficiently. The humanitarian efforts are expected to continue until the final days of Ramazan.
While many families benefit from these relief efforts, some challenges persist. Falak Kiran, a beneficiary of the ration distribution program, described the aid as a blessing for those in financial distress. Similarly, Shazia Begum, another recipient, acknowledged the growing number of families seeking assistance due to economic hardships. However, she pointed out that overcrowding at distribution centres discourages some middle-class families from seeking aid, forcing them to rely on discreet support from friends and neighbors.
Sultana Zafar, a philanthropist specializing in aid distribution for women, noted that anonymous donors are providing assistance in several areas, including Kharadar, Mitha Dar, Dhoraji, Hussainabad, Haideri, Defence, and Clifton. Many philanthropists distribute ration bags and Eid gifts directly to housemaids, relatives, and other needy individuals within their communities.
As Ramazan progresses, these collective humanitarian efforts continue to provide relief to thousands of struggling families. However, experts and social workers stress the need for long-term economic solutions to reduce dependency on aid and empower low-income households to achieve financial stability.
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