KARACHI:
The month of Ramazan is said to be a month of blessings. But avaricious groups and mafias who use illegal means to increase the prices of everyday items during the holy month are creating problems for the already suffering citizens of Pakistan. Hotels and restaurants are closed down in keeping with the sanctity of and respect for the fasting month. Thus travelers, daily wagers, patients and minorities suffer untold difficulties. A few years back, several people died in Karachi due to a severe heatwave during this holy month. Homeless vagabonds were left outside to suffer the scorching heat and eventually lost their lives due to heat stroke and heart attacks. Most water coolers placed by shopkeeper or philanthropists alongside roads were removed by officials. Moreover, some decades ago, the government did allow for a few hotels to run their business during Ramazan so that people who were unable to fast for any reason were able to get food and water. But with the passage of time, the practice stopped due to pressures from some quarters. Today, since only a few hotels and shops are able to get permits, they charge high prices even for substandard food and water.
Respect for and sanctity of the holy month of Ramazan is and should be dear to every Muslim. However, the authorities must devise a plan to provide for those who are unable to keep fasts.
Gulsher Panhwer
Johi
Published in The Express Tribune, April 6th, 2022.
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