Pakistan's poor hit as food prices soar
Monday, 30 June 2008

Twilight in Karachi, and outside some of the main restaurants in Pakistan's economic and financial capital you will find the city's poor waiting.

They line up most days of the week, to get a chance to grab the free food that is doled out here.

Hands outstretched, they clamour to get an extra helping of whatever is on offer.

Hunger in the eyes of the young children, desperation in the eyes of their mothers. Many women hid their faces, ashamed and embarrassed that their misfortune is being witnessed by others.

Everyone tells the same story. That they have no choice, that they are forced to rely on the charity of others, because of the crippling effect of rising food prices.

Meagre earnings

In Islamic scripture, it is part and parcel of a good human being's duty to provide food for the poor and the helpless.

The jump in the price of food in Pakistan has forced many into destitution.

Ayesha Begum is among the hungry who are queuing for food in Karachi.

Most weeks she visits this restaurant three or four times. Sometimes, when times are really bad, she comes twice a day.

"What can I do?" she asks as she awaits her turn to get a dish of beef and chicken gravy. "I have no option.

"My husband works in a factory, and I have seven children. His salary hasn't been increased in two years.

"The meagre earnings he makes used to be just about enough to feed us all, but now the price of food is so high we can't afford anything."

No wheat
Prices in Karachi's markets have jumped to their highest level in 30 years.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7481882.stm