Help for Needy People in Pakistan (COVID-19)

'I Fear Hunger More Than The Virus': Pakistan's Devastating  COVID-19 Pandemic Situation (Daud Khattak).  The worldwide lockdown that has been put in place  to fight the coronavirus pandemic effects everyone in different ways, with varying degrees of severity and desperation. With Pakistan being a country of fragile economy, the respite in business affairs has had a detrimental impact on those that rely on these transactions as their sole source of income, e.g., rickshaw drivers, street vendors, clothing stall operators, labourers (daily wagers), and domestic staff. A large portion of this population is comprised of individuals, especially children, who turn to begging for money as their only source of income. With the lockdown and strict regulations of social distancing, these individuals are in desperate need for money to feed themselves and their families.  Sadly, the daily workers and self-employed individuals are definitely amongst the hardest hit components of Pakistani society. They are now without a source of income which creates obstacles in fulfilling responsibilities, e.g., paying rent, utility bills, education fees, medical expenses, pharmaceutical bills, etc. As an example, Umar Zaman, 50, and his son, 22, are one of the thousands of daily wagers and self employed who have lost all sources of income. They, along with others in a similar financial catastrophe, roam the streets of Islamabad looking for opportunities to make some money. These two individuals are the only financial support for their 14 member family. Additionally, his family resides in his native town in the Mohmand district, which is around 200 KMs away. It is almost impossible for Umar to travel to his family as drivers are charging five times the regular amount as travel fares. Umar along with others fear hunger more than the Corona Virus. Unfortunately, the number of infected people has risen to around 23, 214 along with 544 deaths as of May 06th. However, due to the devastating economic situation, the retail and transport sectors may be next to come out of lockdown. Announcements have already been made for people of the agricultural and construction firms to go back to their jobs, ie., cement and steel making companies. Sadly, the people of Pakistan are forced to choose between protecting their health or feeding their families whereas their top priority should be survival during this time. The prime minister's decision of resuming work in some industrial sectors has created great controversy. On one hand, it will help in bringing the economy back to life but it also will increase points of social contact which can further spread the Corona Virus.  Thus, the funds that are collected through this campaign will be given to the various individuals that have been outlined above. These funds will help relieve financial burden and stress from the less fortunate population of Pakistan. We will aid these individuals by providing food and basic pharmaceutical needs. The sooner we can reach our goal, the faster we can help provide funds to people who are suffering, starving, and in need. We understand the difficulty of this time upon all people, in different places around the world. It is not possible for one person to help everyone but everyone can surely work together to help someone. Especially during the month of Ramadan, all your efforts will be appreciated and no reward will be wasted.  As a reminder:  Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.'[Surah Baqarah 2:245] The charity of those who expend their wealth in the Way of Allah may be likened to a grain of corn, which produces seven ears and each ear yields a hundred grains. Likewise Allah develops manifold the charity of anyone He pleases, for He is All-Embracing, All-Wise. Refer to this webpage for more information on the situation of Pakistan during this pandemic: https://www.rferl.org/a/coronavirus-pakistan-delicate-balance-lockdown-economy-resistance/30547870.html Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding this campaign.