Flood-hit Pakistanis observe Ramadan fast in relief camps

ISLAMABAD - Millions of flood-affected Pakistani Muslims living in various relief camps began their month-long fast with little or no arrangements of eatables which are consumed before dawn everyday during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan has a special religious significance for Muslims around the world, who observe day-long fast throughout the month to seek divine blessings. But the outbreak of floods in the country has dented the fervour.

An elderly woman, Fatima, told IANS that, save water, she was unable to find anything to eat. “However, it hardly matters because I have to fast, come what may”. She added that she could not miss the blessings of the holy month that arrived after a year’s wait.

Abbas, father of three, criticised the government for not waking up to this reality in time and said that this showed the insensitivity of those in powers towards those in distress.

“These people are here only for ceremonial purposes and get pictures made with us for mileage in the media. Otherwise, they don’t care even a bit about our plight,” he regretted.

Wahid, the administrator of a camp in Sukhur, told media that arrangements were being made by the authorities but the demand was much more than the supply.