More media awareness needed to understand poor segments' hunger needs at higher level

As we step further into the 21st century, significant changes in our lifestyles, daily routine and priorities have made it challenging to address the needs of the underprivileged segments of our society.  Amidst these changes, we are fortunate to have access to information, knowledge and awareness about the basic needs of all, including those living on the margins of society, often below the poverty line.

This situation has become increasingly concerning nowadays. In our everyday lives, we frequently encounter heart-wrenching scenes of deserving individuals being forced to beg for alms, money, clothes, meals, and even leftover food.  These encounters leave a deep impression on anyone with a conscience.

One inspiring example was featured in a televised programme, ‘Discover Pakistan’. They highlighted a project in Karachi called 'Food Savers'. This initiative aims to collect leftover food from hotels, restaurants, and food outlets and make it available to the needy.  The collected food is stored in refrigerators placed in public spaces or mobile vans, ensuring accessibility for those in need.

This charitable and noble cause deserves broader recognition and action.  While NGOs and welfare organizations have already made significant contributions in this area but there is an urgent need for higher-level involvement and attention in this regard.

It is undeniable that the government has established several Panahgahs (shelters) and Langar Khanas (free food centers) in cities across Pakistan.  However, extra efforts are needed to expand initiatives like Food Savers to ensure leftover food reaches the needy in a dignified manner.  Making food accessible to impoverished communities across every corner of the country is a righteous and urgent cause.

Globalization has exposed Pakistan to many innovative solutions to food insecurity.  Among these is the concept of providing food to underprivileged groups with dignity and respect—a practice we should adopt and promote to fight against hunger as is the aim of the above food chain in Karachi. There is a pressing need to create more awareness through mainstream and social media to encourage philanthropists, both within and outside Pakistan, to support this cause.

All welfare organizations—governmental and non-governmental—such as the Food Savers Youth Organization deserve immense appreciation for their remarkable work.  Let us pledge to nurture compassion for our less fortunate brethren by initiating similar efforts at individual and collective levels.  This will not only serve humanity but also fulfill the purpose of our creation, as poet Allama Iqbal once said:

"Dard-e-dil ke wastey paida kiya insaan ko,

Warna ita'at ke liye kum na thay karoobiyaan."

(Man was created to feel the pain of others,

For obedience alone, angels would have sufficed)