Lower thirds:

0:03  Report by / Beenish Javed 
0:17  Riaz Ali / Worshiper
0:51  Shahida Bibi 
1:41  Shirinai Bibi /  Recipient of charity donations

Script:

Fasting time ends with the call to prayer..

And hundreds of people in Karachi are having a free meal.

This is just one of the hundreds of Iftar meal gatherings organised by charities.

Riaz Ali
Worshiper
“Shopkeepers of the markets donated funds for making arrangements for Iftar. Mostly laborers, shopkeepers, neighbors and travellers break fast in this mosque. They have been served Biryani, juices and other food items for breaking their fast.”    

According to the World Bank nearly 45 percent of Pakistan's population lives in poverty.

During the month of Ramadan, prices often rise due to massive demand for staple items, and with inflation still high, it is hard for many to afford a balanced Iftar meal. 

Shahida Bibi

“I have purchased rations for Ramadan, but the prices of essential commodities are very high. But we are compelled to buy food for Ramadan. The back-breaking inflation has affected the common man. It would be good for poor people like us if prices for essentials are reduced.” 

During the month of Ramadan, millions of Pakistanis give Zakat, an important pillar of Islam.

Muslims who can afford it, donate roughly 2.5% of their wealth as charity to the poor.

This charity organization in Karachi is packing up food for people in need.

Shirinai Bibi is among those who benefit from the food bags.
 Shirinai Bibi
 recipient of charity donations:

“I have five children: three daughters and two sons. My husband was a cancer patient and he died last year. We do some small jobs to earn livelihood and these food packages given by charity organization also helps us. Sometimes we have food but sometimes we do not have food. We also would not be able to pay the monthly house rent.”

She attends an event where the food is distributed.

Hundreds wait patiently to take home a box of essential rations.

Pakistan endured one of Asia's highest inflation spikes in 2023, nearing 40%.

Although inflation has since slowed, millions of vulnerable people still struggle to have food on their tables.