Inflation limits philanthropic zeal in Ramazan

Increasing costs of food items have reduced the supply of ration bags, variety at Iftar tables during the Holy month

KARACHI:

Every year, the arrival of Ramazan naturally reinvigorates people's motivation to give back to society through bulk food donations or regular charity handouts however, growing economic uncertainty in the country coupled with rising food prices has created an imbalance in the demand and supply of charitable offerings, which are no longer enough to ensure that every needy person is able to break their fast.

Khalida, a domestic worker, has been the sole breadwinner of her family after her husband fell sick. "In Ramazan, our expenses are doubled therefore we look forward to receiving a good ration bag for preparing Sehr and Iftar. This year a family gave us a ration bag worth Rs5,000, but the supplies could only last 15 days," said Khalida.

Unlike Khalida, who is able to prepare meals at home, Umair, a rickshaw driver, breaks his fast regularly at an Iftar table. "Due to inflation, I cannot afford to buy a single serving of Iftar for Rs200. If I buy my own Iftar, what will I take home for my family? Iftar tables are a blessing for us," claimed Umair.

Similarly, Shama, a factory worker, shared that oftentimes she could not reach home in time to break her fast with her family. "At the Iftar table, boxes of biryani were being distributed and I took one for my family," shared Shama.

"The biggest means of helping the deserving people in Ramazan is through the distribution of ration. This time around, while the number of recipients of ration bags has increased due to the country's financial crisis, the number of distributors has fallen since the price of ration bags has increased by 30 to 50 per cent due to high prices of commodities and food items," revealed Muhammad Asif Khan, a social leader, who felt that this year most philanthropists were only distributing ration bags between the range of Rs5,000 and Rs8,000.

Similarly, Sheikh Muhammad Zahid, another social leader claimed that apart from the drop in distribution of ration bags, the size and scale of Iftar tables had also been affected greatly. "Iftar tables are usually set up in neighbourhoods, mosques and at highways. Due to the high cost of food items this Ramadan, those who set up Iftar tables are also under financial strain since the rush of people has exceeded the food available," conveyed Zahid.

Muhammad Amir, a philanthropist who sets up Iftar tables, shared that the cost of providing Iftar essentials for one person had increased significantly this Ramazan.

"The standard Iftar box which included biryani, fruit juice, dates and fruit, cost us Rs150 in 2022, Rs200 in 2023 and Rs250 today. That's why now most philanthropists are presenting large platters filled with dates, fruits and fritters on Iftar tables rather than providing individual Iftar boxes," revealed Amir, who further claimed that the price of cauldrons of popular items like biryani had also increased by 30 per cent.

Mohammad Yusuf, a shopkeeper, revealed that the increase in the prices of Ramadan relief packages boiled down to the high retail prices of staple ingredients. "Different types of flour are being sold at retail shops for more than Rs160 per kg, while chickpea and pulses are being sold at Rs360, and gram flour at Rs320 per kg. Similarly, ghee and different types of oil are being sold at Rs450 to Rs600 per litre while different varieties of rice are priced between Rs200 to Rs300 per kg," said Yusuf.

"Since the supply of ration has become limited due to rising costs, many needy recipients are returning home empty handed," revealed Imranul Haq, a volunteer a a welfare organization.

"The wages should be increased and the scope of the Benazir Income Support Program should be broadened so that the financial difficulties of the poor people can be reduced," urged Zia Abbas, a social and political affairs analyst.

The officials of the Sindh government, on the other hand, maintain that the Chief Minister of Sindh has announced a package for the relief of underprivileged people this Ramazan.