Charities catering to deserving people's needs.

LAHORE -- During Ramazan, charities, non-government organisations and social activists give commodity packs, such as rice, flour, cooking oil, sugar and so on to deserving people across the city.

The rush of people, primarily women, at numerous such sites demonstrates the population's diminishing financial level.

'I came here at about 8am to get ration as my husband couldn't come here,' Jannat Bibi told Dawn at Meerdad Chowk, near Shahdewal (Johar Town) at about 12pm on Tuesday.

'A he (my husband) is working at a construction site, I'm here. Standing in queues for hours is not easy, as it, like others, has made me so tired.'

The ration bags containing various items are being distributed among the public at large, especially the poor ones these days.

'No one wants to visit such places in a bid to get ration, as it is poverty that forces people to do so,' said Ishaq.

'Though I earn Rs35,000 per month, my income is consumed by the 15th of every month. The rest of the days, I don't have money to run my house. I borrow money from friends and relatives.' Ishaq is a construction worker and has five children. He said that, except for one, no one is going to school due to poverty.

'Skyrocketing prices have really crushed us. My wife has also started working as domestic help.'

He said many people from other parts of the city used to visit this place off and on in a bid to get ration, as they have no money to buy daily-use items. 'The government should take care of us in this difficult time,' he sought.

Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider said she had the plan to distribute Rashan bags in collaboration with the philanthropists among those having no registration with Benzair...