The Ramadan plight!
For the very first time this year in Ramadan, I am witnessing something witnessed only at Baqr-e-Eid : door-to-door visits for ‘Ramadan Goods Package.” Yesterday alone I had 10 to 12 people come knocking at my door.
The sad part was, in most cases, they were obviously not dirt poor. They were neatly turned-out men with young children or women. What we call the lower middle class. Of course, there were the maids who work in the area & former maids whose calls poured in.
Political system stakeholders must sit with definite agenda of dialogue: Asif
Russia starts Yars intercontinental ballistic missile drills
Cricket coach booked for using ‘objectionable’ language with women cricketers
For more such Opinions click here.
With food inflation at 42 per cent in the urban area, things are very, very tough across the board. Not just for the poor. Also, those who used to be affluent. Yes, the houses are there. The cars are there. However, one witnesses cutting back on servants. The drivers are gone. A boy living in a low lying area in the vicinity will come now to wash the cars. The full-time cooks are replaced with part-time cooks. Everyone is trying to reduce overheads.
Ramadan becomes an ordeal in these trying financial times. The sellers/vendors spike up the prices for everything. From fruits to wheat flour. The cheap wheat-flour the government was providing for Rs 650/ per10 kg bag is no longer now available. Having been replaced by Rs 1150 per 10 kg bag [Pre-Ramadan price].
ECP announces to hold KP elections on Oct 8
Five cops martyred in terrorist attack on Lakki Marwat police station
There is no place, including weekly vegetable or/and grocery stores, that offers discounted prices. At least in Lahore. In the cities of Islamabad & Rawalpindi, cheaper Iranian products are available. Grocery stores dedicate at least two shelves to the good quality Iranian stuff. Oil & cheese is very popular. Goods are brought in via Baluchistan-Iran border. These products were earlier available in Baluchistan & Lyari but now have found welcome markets in different cities of the country.
One thing we must look into. Due to the high cost of food items, most are making fewer dishes. Less elaborate preparation for Sehr & Iftar. But there are still people who make a heavy iftar followed by a break for prayers & an equally elaborate dinner. For Sehr, special dishes are prepared.
UAE president appoints his son Sheikh Khaled as crown prince
LHC declares Section 124-A of sedition law to be in conflict with Constitution
We need to question ourselves if this is the spirit of Islam? Does fasting means, gorging ourselves on ten different dishes before and after fast? How does this brief period of not eating anything but stuffing ourselves otherwise make us feel thee hunger of a poor man? Why can we not, have simpler meals like opening fast with one simple item, after prayers have a one-dish dinner? If someone if blessed with much, should he not, keeping with the spirit of Islam use the said amount of money to feed the poor instead?
For more such Opinions click here.
Petition for simultaneous elections in country files in SC
SC bench hearing polls delay case stands dissolved
Law minister tables judicial reforms bill in Senate to clip CJP powers
The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for more. Download our app for the latest news, updates & interesting content!
Agreed with the viewpoint of the author completely. We my mend our bad habits in this Holy month according to its true spirit. Let us distribute surplus food among needy people rather eat too many
dishes which is not only spoil our health but wastage of money and nothing else.
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
The real spirit of fasting is to feel for hunger impelling you to reach out to those who are hungry.
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb blog!
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Your post was a delightful read. Nice blog you’ve got, and thank you for the knowledge you share.