KARACHI: At least 11 people, including three children were killed in stampede during private charity distribution for food ration in Karachi’s SITE industrial area, one of several such incidents in recent weeks as population struggles with rising inflation in country.

Officials said hundreds of people had gathered outside private garment dying factory in industrial zone for Zakat and food ration distribution. Eyewitnesses said people, mostly women and children started running to collect ration as soon as factory gates opened, resulting in deadly stampede.  Nine bodies were brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital from stampede in Baldia Town, spokesperson for hospital told. Six injured victims were also brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, he said. Civil Hospital received two dead bodies after incident, medical superintendent Sabir Memon said, bringing death toll to 11. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed that tragic incident, saying  factory management had neither informed police of charity drive nor obtained any formal permission from local administration for distribution of ration and Zakat among needy.

Minister said first information report has been registered against factory management, while police has so far taken seven people from factory management into custody for their alleged involvement in incident. Officials said manager of factory was among seven people taken into custody.  Taking notice of stampede, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed Commissioner to submit report on incident. In statement, he said concerned administration of area should have been informed about distribution of ration or any other charity work beforehand.

He expressed sorrow over loss of lives in incident and issued directives to immediately transfer injured to hospital.  Meanwhile, leader of opposition in Sindh Assembly Khurram Sher Zaman expressed grief over incident, saying that such incidents were taking place daily across country. “Due to carelessness of government, people are dying instead of being provided any relief,” PTI leader said, demanding transparent inquiry and action against those responsible for incident.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 01 2023

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