Karachi: When the world is united in fighting against Covid-19 pandemic but for Pakistan, religious discrimination remains a top priority amidst this global crisis. The country's Hindus and Christian minorities are not being given food supplies by authorities, saying they are meant for the Muslims.
Scores of marginalised people gather at Karachi's Rehrri Ghoth to receive food supplies and daily essentials as shops remain shut to curb the spread of coronavirus. But those belonging to the Hindu community are told to go back since the rations are only meant for Muslims. "We only hear that people in our neighbourhoods are receiving essential goods. My son drives the rickshaw. Due to the lockdown, all services have been suspended. He is sitting idle at home. We do not have anything to eat. We have no money. Even when we visit the ration distribution centers, the authorities assure us that they will send essential items in separate trucks but eventually they don't," said a member of the Hindu community in Karachi.
Hindus in Pakistan form a 4 per cent of the country's population. The community is subjected to rampant discrimination and are often denied basic human rights. "Why is such a discrimination against us? The disease is affecting every one of us. Why is nobody cooperating with us?" he added.
"There is no ration at home since last week. The police chase us when we move out of our houses," complained a second. Sindh government issued an order to distribute ration through local NGOs and administration to daily wage workers and laborers. The distribution of food supplies is being organised by local government in collaboration with the district government.
"This is the second week of lockdown and we have no food at home. The officials only visit us to ask for votes. We don't even have money to buy food. Our daily living has been suspended due to the lockdown. Nobody has asked us regarding the problems we are facing," said a member of the Christian community in Karachi.
Afridi, Jahangir Khan come forward with help
Meanwhile, Pakistan's renowned sports personalities Jahangir Khan and Shahid Afridi have started distributing ration and cash to the minorities after a Hindu tennis player drew their attention to the plight of the community amid the pandemic. In a statement, international tennis player Robin Das had appealed to the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) to help the minority communities.
"Jahangir Khan who is president of the foundation called me and spoke to me about Das's statement and said the minority community members must also be helped in these difficult times," Asif Azeem, the secretary of the Karachi Sports Forum, said. The SAF has teamed up with the Karachi Sports Forum (KSF) to provide ration and cash to the needy people in the city, especially those belonging to the sports fraternity. Aseem made it clear the forum will use its manpower to distribute ration and cash among the needy minority community families in Karachi.
