Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
03 April 2023 | 15:29 CAT

Photo Credit: CTV News

At least 12 people, including three children, were killed in a stampede during the distribution of Zakat at a private company at Norris Chowrangi, Sindh Industrial and Trading Estate (SITE) area.

According to preliminary details, women also died when they fell into the drain due to the stampede, while many others were injured. The dead and injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Professor and Dean CESD, Institute of Business Management in Karachi, Pakistan, Professor Dr Shahida Wizarat, told Radio Islam International that the dire need for food contributes to the stampede as people fear starvation and have become particularly undisciplined.

According to Prof Wizarat, the last three decades under pressure from the IMF have seen several cuts in education and health expenditures. She said this has resulted in many babies born in the 1990s who have yet to receive an education, resulting in undisciplined and unruly people.

Prof Wizarat argues the flour given out by the government needs to be of more profound quality and fit for human consumption.

Meanwhile, an Edhi Foundation volunteer said a stampede occurred due to a power line falling during the ration distribution, but the claim was later denied.

Baldia Town superintendent of police said the company did not inform about the ration distribution beforehand. “The water line leaked during the stampede, in which the electric wire fell, which caused the deaths.”

He said the police had detained seven people from the company and shifted them to the police station.

Listen to the full interview with Host ML Ebrahim Moosa on Radio Islam’s podcast.