Small acts of kindness can be beneficial on a larger scale if done collectively
KARACHI: Lockdown in Sindh has been the most aggressive decision made by any government in Pakistan, and is the need of the hour. It is true that it may affect people financially but in the time of crisis the whole world is suffering. Daily wage workers in Pakistan are suffering immensely as there will be no work for 15 days straight.
Such times call for humanity. It is time for rich philanthropists to come forward and the rest play their due part through social servicing. While there are many local organisations and individuals working for the provision of ration and household goods to underprivileged families to some extent, we all can be a part of it on some basic level. Help the poor in your neighbourhood and try to maintain supplies to their houses during the lockdown. While you are shopping, donate a small portion of it to those in dire need. Within your means, give particular allowances for such families and individuals so they can survive through this unemployment duration. If you are unable to locate such deserving people around you, establish contacts with social activists, CBOs and NGOs for donating funds.
If you are generous enough and know someone fighting the virus who can’t afford treatment or testing, offer them monetary help. Groceries, any other edibles and household essentials can be made affordable for the labour and working class. Recently a senior citizen donated Rs1 million to the Sindh government to help them fight the virus. We need more people like these to stand up.
Small acts of kindness can be beneficial on a larger scale if done collectively. There are hundreds of ways to help, donate, share or contribute. This goes without mentioning that efforts make by trusts, social organisations, individuals and others are commendable. Every single contribution made is important as lives are at stake. Try and do as much as you can without being ashamed. May Allah bless Pakistan and every other country which is combating the pandemic.
Sundus Wajahat
Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2020.
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