At least 12 people lost their lives and five were injured in a tragic stampede in the SITE area during the distribution of Zakat among the families of employees at a private company. The incident highlighted the gravity of the financial crunch in the country where people are struggling to make ends meet and are risking their lives for getting basic necessities.
The fact that such a huge crowd of people thronged to collect Zakat shows the desperation of the people who are barely surviving in a country plagued by poverty and unemployment.
It is saddening to see that people are dying just to get hold of free wheat or a few rupees in Zakat. This is the height of human misery
The negligence of the company staff and the lack of arrangements for making a queue for the distribution of Zakat are unacceptable. The company management should have informed the police and district administration about the event to ensure the safety of the people and the maintenance of law and order.
It is commendable that some employees have been detained on charges of negligence, and the factory owners have been booked for their irresponsible behaviour.
Moreover, the government must also take full responsibility and provide basic necessities, such as food and shelter, to the people so that they do not have to risk their lives for these basic needs.
FEROZ SADRUDDIN
KARACHI
