KARACHI: As the sun sets on the holy month of Ramadan, volunteers begin preparing traditional dishes and drinks for dozens of tables along Karachi’s major University Road.
Although the cost of essential items are soaring, the megacity is seeing free Iftar kiosks along major roads and streets. However, there is a notable reduction in this practice when compared to similar events in recent years.
This year, at least five venues hosted free Iftar, but the quality of the food supplied was slightly lower.
Iftar stalls were set up by generous benefactors, market associations, welfare organizations, and individuals from diverse groups on prominent streets and marketplaces such as I I Chundirgar Road, M A Jinnah Road, Shahre-e-Faisal, Shah Wali-Ullah Road, Abul Hassan Isphahani Road, and University Road.
People from diverse walks of life put up free roadside Iftar booths to serve passersby without regard for caste or faith.
Many volunteers throw out food packages, as well as water and juice bottles, to commuters.
About two decades ago, a few people began the habit of roadside free Iftar booths in Karachi, which has now established a strong culture. However, rising food prices and declining purchasing power have begun to have an influence on this custom.
Some Iftar organizers claim that the costs of fruits and other food products have skyrocketed, and they are unable to obtain a sufficient number of fruits and edible goods at a reasonable price, forcing them to build larger Iftar arrangements.
Maria Ghanchi