Social Welfare Organizations

The novel coronavirus has claimed precious lives of more than 80 people across Pakistan and has affected more than 5,000 people. The federal and provincial governments are taking all-out measures to contain the spread of the deadly disease.

Pakistan is already facing problems regarding the acute shortage of services and an economic crisis along with hunger, poverty, unemployment and adverse business conditions. Now the coronavirus has affected the economy badly.

The daily wagers and the poor segment of the society are suffering the most from the ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus. Small business owners, traders, daily wagers, labour class and in fact all those associated with the business community are going through a testing period.

However, the federal government has announced cash assistance for the deserving families across Pakistan, but as we all know that the country is well known for its corruption. Videos circulating on social media claimed that people aren’t receiving the announced cash grant.

Similarly, the Sindh government announced to provide rations to the poor segment of the society, however, not a single bag of ration has been distributed yet. In this ongoing tough situation, the role of philanthropic organizations in helping people cannot be ignored.

Amid coronavirus and lockdown, numerous welfare agencies are working across the country to stem the economic burden on the low-income groups providing them rations and medical assistance.

Edhi Foundation is importing coronavirus testing kits, which will be provided to the government and charity hospitals, in addition to distributing rations among needy families. Saylani welfare chairperson has also announced to distribute raw food items among two million people and cooked food among 100,000 amid the crisis arising from coronavirus.

Al Khidmat Foundation has also distributing ration – enough for 15 days – among the families in low-income areas across Pakistan. Ration also includes face masks, soap, and sanitizers.

Other social welfare organizations like Alamgir Welfare Trust, Pakistan Islamic Medical Association, Baitul Salam Trust, and JDC foundation are helping the deserving families and the poor segment of the society.

In this regard, the federal and the provincial governments should coordinate with the welfare organization and consult with those foundations in order to stem the economic burden on the low-income groups providing them rations and medical assistance.