Free rations halved this Ramazan

At the start of Ramadan this year, there has been a record decline in free ration distribution among deserving families compared to the past three years.

Most small social organisations that distributed free ration annually have stepped back due to record inflation. Organisations that continued distribution reduced the total number of ration bags by 30 to 50 per cent, while the quantity of items in gift packs was also cut.

Groups that previously distributed rations to 200 to 300 families have reduced the number to around 100. Even Ramadan gift pack items have been curtailed.

Jamaat-e-Islami and its subsidiary organisations remained prominent in free ration distribution, while most small city-based groups could not continue the practice due to severe inflation.

According to social organisation secretary general Hafiz Haji Naveed Khan, a gift pack containing pulses, ghee, oil, rice, flour, sugar, gram flour, spices and a juice bottle previously cost Rs3,000 to Rs3,500.

It now costs between Rs7,000 and Rs8,000. Funding has not increased; in fact, contributions from wealthy donors have declined.

He said small NGOs that used to provide gift packs to 100 families have withdrawn, while larger NGOs and citizens have reduced both the number and quantity of items. Quantities have dropped to half or one kilogram. A large juice bottle now costs Rs800.

This year, instead of gift packs, his organisation distributed Rs2,000 in envelopes to deserving families. Government-supplied subsidised flour cannot be included in gift packs due to quality concerns.

Pulses, gram flour, cooking oil, dates and flour have reached record prices. Many deserving families, particularly women, faced difficulties seeking free rations across the city.

A woman identified as R. Begum said a personality in Jhanda Chichi used to distribute free ration annually, benefitting many women. Last year, fewer families received assistance, and this year, no one did.

A large number of citizens have decided to break their fast in mosques and at free dastarkhwans this year.