Charity, goodwill prevail amidst uncertainty

Govt and private organisation come to fore to help those in need as Covid-19 leaves many in dire straits

ISLAMABAD:

The pandemic outbreak has put the world in perils of recession; causing mass layoffs and leaving many businesses and industries to bear the brunt of an impending financial crunch. However, in these times of crisis, it is the people’s spirit of charity, generosity and goodwill which has gleamed like a beacon of hope in what may be humanity’s darkest hour. Over the last few months of coronavirus induced restrictions, several government, non-government and individual efforts have emerged throughout the country and come to the aid of those out of work. Grounded in strong social conscience, these initiatives have worked towards combating the coronavirus-induced crisis not only through alms-giving but also by aiding unemployment and creating awareness.

Started in April of 2020, a Facebook group called “Covid-19 Unemployment Relief”, has been involved in finding employment opportunities for those struggling to find work or rendered jobless during the pandemic.

The public group, which is administrated by five individuals, has since then aided hundreds of people across Pakistan by providing a free, digital platform for employers to connect with those most in need of employment. With over 6,500 members at present, the group has also hosted various seminars and discussions to help people polish their skill sets, prepare for job interviews and increase their overall chances of employment.

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“Before the pandemic hit, I was making ends meet by running a small business during the day and driving an Uber cab at night, but Covid-19 has severely affected both sources of income and left me on my beam ends.

This group has helped me some find a few sales and marketing vacancies and I’m hopeful that about finding employment soon enough,” said Khalid, a group member.

According to Zaheer Qamar of Rahma Islamic Relief, a charitable organisation certified by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy, the current situation has affected hundreds and thousands of people across different sectors, posing a great risk not just their finances but also their health and wellbeing. “Our organisation has been running multiple welfare projects in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, Kotli Azad Kashmir and South Punjab. A lot of our work is focused towards the distribution of ration, access to clean drinking water, access to virus testing and emergency services and provision of disinfectants and we fully support the government in its relief efforts in these times of crisis.”

Similarly, Sheikh Hameed, a social worker from Rawalpindi, shared that his efforts have been focused on launching awareness campaigns in densely populated areas to reduce the risk of virus transmission in his city.

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“We have given ourselves a target of fifty days to reach out to people and create awareness in areas like Class Factory, Raja Bazaar, Namak Mandi, Sabzi Mandi, Islamabad, Bank Road, Haider Road, Kashmir Road, Rata Amral, Ghauri Town and other large and small bazaars which are at high risk of transmission,” he added.

Speaking about the unified efforts of the public and the government to aid the people in need, Former Provincial Assembly Member Chaudhry Ayaz told The Express Tribune that times like such call for people to hold on to hope and work together. “We are with our citizens in this difficult time and we will stay with them.

We have to face this problem together. This pandemic has nothing to do with religion and the best treatment right now is precaution,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2020.