Ramazan ration distribution faces setbacks

Sources say several philanthropists, social organisations have reduced aid by 60-70%

RAWALPINDI:

Due to inflation, a record decline has been noticed in the distribution of free Ramazan ration to deserving families by philanthropists and social and welfare organisations during the current year. After a long time, inflation reached the country's highest level ever, which led to a 60 to 70 percent decrease in the distribution of free ration and Eid gifts.

Many philanthropists and organisations that previously provided free rations to 100 families annually have now reduced this number to 25 to 30 families. Similarly, family groups that used to distribute free ration among 40 to 50 families have completely halted the distribution this year, opting instead to give small amounts of cash to one or two families individually.

Social organisations have also experienced a record decline in Ramazan donations this year, forcing them to shut down their Ramazan ration programmes.

Social organisations have also reported a significant drop in donations, forcing many to shut down their Ramazan ration programmes. A leader of a welfare group told The Express Tribune that they used to distribute ration packages containing flour, lentils, rice, sugar, and other essentials at a cost of Rs2,700 to Rs3,300 per bag. Last year, they had to reduce their distribution from 100 to 80 families. With prices now soaring to Rs5,500 to Rs6,000 per package, they have switched to providing Rs2,000 in cash to 100 families instead.

Another social organisation leader said that their group, which previously served 100 to 120 families, has now been forced to reduce the weight of ration bags and limit support to just 50 families due to financial constraints.

The decline in aid has severely impacted low-income families, particularly widows and orphans, who are struggling to meet basic needs. The heads of Al-Mustafa Trust, Sheikh Nadeem Shehzad and Secretary Muhammad Sharif, said that due to limited funds, they have reduced their distribution from 200 ration packs in past years to just 40 this year. If inflation continues, they may further cut down or shift entirely to cash support next year.

In the Rawalpindi District Court, traditional ration distributions by the Salari Chamber and Advocate Qayyum Tarazi have also been reduced. The Salari Chamber has stopped its aid completely, while Advocate Tarazi has slashed distribution by more than 50 percent.

Even government and political groups have scaled back their assistance. The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner did not distribute any free rations this year, and prominent parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami Tehreek have also significantly reduced their aid.

Widows like Sakeena Bibi and Khala Mukhtiyari expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that for the first time, they received no free rations from any source this Ramazan.