(15 May 2018) LEADIN:
With the fasting month of Ramadan approaching in Pakistan, the comparatively wealthy, philanthropists and volunteers are turning their efforts to help poor and needy people.
STORYLINE:
Pakistani Muslims are getting ready to celebrate the fasting month of Ramadan.
And with many of them on or below the poverty line, there are systems in place to make sure the holy month can be enjoyed by all.
Comparatively wealthy philanthropists along with volunteers are turning their efforts to help those less fortunate by providing them with enough food and drink to break their fast after the long, hot days.
Like every year, community volunteers are busy preparing food parcels and distributing them among the poor before Ramadan.
While receiving his free food packet Ali Abass, a resident of Rawalpindi says it's a real leveller.
"The same kind of food items are inside these packets for everyone, there is no discrimination between poor and rich."
The religious festival is observed by millions of Muslims all over the world, although young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, older people, or those who are sick or travelling, are exceptions to the rule.
Ramadan kitchens are also established in Pakistan to distribute free ready-made meals to needy people.
Volunteers are racing against time to prepare food baskets to help poor families cover their food needs.
"Because of this (Ramadan packs), needy people can eat healthy food in Sehri (pre-dawn meal also known as Suhoor). This is the purpose of distribution. May people feel comfort during fasting," say local community organiser Qasim Ali Zohaib.
During this month Muslims not only fast, but also do charity work, because Islam says Muslims should help Muslims and non-Muslims who are needy.
Prices of daily food items usually go up, even before the beginning of the fasting month, which adds more difficulties to the already money-starved poor.
Tasveer Abbasi, a dates trader, gives a reason for this.
"The price automatically increases, because we store dates all year round in cold stores, and there's expenditure for cold storage, like rent, electricity charges. So, all these overheads are included in the sale price, that's why the prices are high."
Nevertheless, school teacher Malik Shahzad says the traders are taking advantage.
"The shopkeepers take advantage and increase prices especially when the holy month of Ramadan comes," he says.

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