Welfare works gather momentum

By Zaib Azkaar Hussain 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

In order to prevent spread of the viral disease (COVID-19 pandemic), the Sindh government has imposed a strict lockdown in the entire province. In fact almost all the cities and towns of the country have locked down for the past few days. 

Of course it is in the larger interest of the citizens to stay at homes and avoid meetings and gatherings. To maintain social distance is the order of the day which is the only way to get rid if this deadly epidemic. 

However the ongoing social distancing and lockdown have led to other social problems and crisis for the citizens. Many organizations and unions have become active to meet the challenge and they are doing a commendable service.

Interesting and appreciable way to serve people has been evolved by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP), Karachi, whose President, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, has been energetic and proactive in the days of crisis, having taken the initiative to announce distribution of ration bags to its members.

The ACP members were messaged to send their addresses and as the members responded, they were provided ration bags. 

It has been learnt that around 1,000 members have been provided ration bags so far. A big counter has also been set up at the premises of the ACP, under the supervision of Ahmed Shah. 

He himself, alongwith his team that includes office-bearers and governing body members, could be seen dispatching ration bags to members. 

Moreover, the trend is being followed by other organisations dealing writing, art, culture and journalism. The office-bearers of the Karachi Press Club (KPC), President Imtiaz Khan Faran, Secretary Armaan Sabir and others have also undertaken the task to provide sufficient ration to the members of the club and a large number of members have been provided ration bags.

On the other hand, the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJs) is also serving its members in this regard. It has been learnt that including the KUJ (Burna Group), headed by President Ahmed Malik, the KUJ (Dastoor Group) and several other unions are providing assistance and visiting the houses of their members to present them with ration bags. 

The unions have have made special transport arrangements (hiring cars and small trucks) to deliver the ration bags to their members at their doorsteps an d certainly their zeal and efforts are very commendable.