Ramazan relief strategy sparks debate | The Express Tribune

LAHORE:

After the closure of the Utility Stores Corporation, low-income families in Punjab are struggling to access subsidized essentials ahead of Ramazan, while many still await inclusion in government relief lists amid rising concern over Sehri and Iftar expenses.

Naila Begum, a widow from Garhi Shahu, revealed that she was living in a rented house with her daughter. She made several attempts to benefit from the financial assistance package announced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for low-income families, but despite contacting several people, she received no help and lacked the necessary connections.

Citizens alleged that only those with access to politicians were able to get their names included in the lists. “Neither formal Ramazan bazaars have been established at the government level, nor has any subsidy scheme been announced in collaboration with departmental stores to provide relief. In previous years, Ramazan bazaars and fair price shops were set up to help control prices,” commented Sheikh Waqar, a local.

On the other hand, the Government of Punjab is preparing to introduce a Ramazan package this year, which, according to sources, will be limited to deserving families. Existing data—particularly from the Benazir Income Support Programme and social protection databases—is being used to identify eligible beneficiaries.

Read More: Govt shuts down all utility stores across country

Government officials stated that assistance will be provided either through digital wallets or designated centers in the form of cash aid or ration packages to avoid long queues and mismanagement. Critics, however, argued that the lower-middle-class “white-collar” segment not registered in any government database may remain deprived of relief.

Muhammad Ali Khawaja, head of a private NGO, informed that his organization will set up two dastarkhwans during Ramazan. However, fewer meal camps were being arranged this year due to rising inflation since business owners were also facing financial strain. “In some areas, philanthropists are jointly organizing Sehri and Iftar arrangements, with preparations already underway before Ramazan,” said Khawaja.

Economist Dr Qais Aslam stated that Punjab, being the largest province, had an estimated poverty rate of around 60 per cent while unemployment was around 22 per cent. “Professional beggars exist, but the real poor are those actively seeking jobs and lacking purchasing power. Free meal centers and shrines across the country help mitigate poverty and unemployment to some extent. However, due to inflation, people have less money to distribute this year, making life increasingly difficult,” said Dr Aslam.

Every year, thousands of philanthropists, charitable organizations, and religious institutions in Punjab distribute ration bags, arrange Iftar meals, and provide zakat and fitrana. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of families benefit from private assistance. Organizations such as Alkhidmat Foundation, Saylani Welfare International Trust, and Edhi Foundation regularly run ration and Iftar programs.

Experts, however, argued that while the role of philanthropists was commendable, a coordinated government policy had become essential in view of rising population and inflation. Experts suggested that the Punjab government should urgently introduce Ramazan bazaars or a digital subsidy model to provide immediate relief to lower and middle-income groups.

This year, the Chief Minister has identified more than four million individuals and introduced “Nigehban Cards” for them. Beneficiaries have been issued ATM cards through which they can withdraw money to purchase necessities during Ramazan. Special facilitation bazaars have also been set up, offering goods at 15 per cent lower prices, particularly vegetables and other essentials.