LAHORE: As the month of Ramazan is set to begin after a couple of days, a number of needy women have started gathering around in front of the residences and offices of the well-to-do people and philanthropists for financial aid across the city district across.

“We have no money and where to go except visiting places of those who help the poor like us. We are too much worried and eager to get financial aid,” a woman who standing among many others says while talking to Dawn on the Sundardas Road (near Meo Gardens).

“We cannot even eat for two times a day. So, the Ramazan is the month when we receive money or groceries to pass on some months easily,” she adds.

The month of Ramazan each year gives a sigh of relief to a huge number of deserving people in Lahore and other parts of the country, including Gujaranwala, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, DG Khan and major cities of other provinces as number of philanthropists help the needy through cash or grocery items.

“My husband is also not well, forcing us to seek charity from the rich,” says another woman.

“The month of Ramazan gives us an opportunity to get some assistance from the wealthy. Hopefully, I will get it soon since the queue is too long,” says a third woman.

“Many women come here to receive assistance every year during Ramazan,” she states.

A similar situation was also noticed in Gulberg and other posh localities of the Lahore city district. The people suggested to the government to also expand its Ramazan relief activities across the city district.

“Every year, a number of people start lining here to get assistance from the wealthy people,” says a shopkeeper while talking to Dawn in Gulberg.

“I also refer many people to various places in Gulberg whenever asked by the needy just before Ramazan or during the month,” he added.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026