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ISLAMABAD: Due to alleged crackdowns on the caterer and new road blocks, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) on Saturday announced that it will reduce provision of meal to the participants of the sit-ins to two times a day.
“We used to provide three meals to our workers but now due to disruption in the supply of food and raids on the catering company, it has become difficult for us to continue it,” said Sajjad Khan, one of the PAT workers distributing food among the marchers.
Abid Nisar, another PAT activist involved in food distribution, alleged that the Islamabad police had been creating hurdles in the food supply for the last three days.
Also read: PAT’s caterer ‘arrested’
“Police are conducting raids on the catering company and harassing its staff. They are also creating hurdles on the roads. Under these circumstances, PAT has decided to distribute only two meals in a day among the protesters.”
When asked, he did not disclose the area where the police had conducted raids on the catering company.
Replying to another question, both the activists said there was no serious issue about funding for supply of food.
“Workers belonging to the well-off families are contributing their share while others are being provided food from PAT’s funds,” Abid said. Meanwhile, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, during his speech, also criticised the government for allegedly harassing the staff of the catering company.
Talking to Dawn, a number of PAT workers said the cut on meal was not a big issue. “We are here for a great cause so meal does not matter for us,” said Nazia Bibi from Layyah.
According to a new plan, PAT workers would be provided food at 10am and after sunset. According to the menu, the participants are being provided bread and tea, Naan and halwa or Naan and chickpea (channa). In the evening, they are provided either pulse, mix vegetables or rice with chicken or chickpeas. Meanwhile, talking to Dawn, some of the PAT workers said they would not return until their demands were met.
Published in Dawn, September 14th , 2014
