Another life lost in struggle for free flour

Police baton-charge leaves 43 injured at distribution centre

A woman died on her way home after availing a free flour bag in Jehanian, Khanewal – the latest incident wherein a person lost their life as they tried to secure the commodity.

The government has established flour distribution centres in several districts to provide the commodity free of cost to people during Ramadan as inflation has skyrocketed to a historic high. But these distribution centres have witnessed mismanagement as long queues line up with people eager to get the essential commodity for free. At some centres, even violence and theft took place.

According to Rescue 1122, the woman, Rasheeda Bibi, was heading to her home after getting a free flour bag when all of a sudden she became unconscious due to low blood pressure. She was taken to the tehsil headquarters hospital where she breathed her last.

However, according to the district administration, there was a smooth supply of flour bags at 22 centres, established across the district to facilitate the deserving people.

The latest incident comes days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told officials concerned to extend the maximum assistance to elderly people, special persons, and women at the distribution centres. PM Shehbaz – who came into power last year in April – has vowed to pay unannounced visits to the flour distribution centres across Punjab to ensure a smooth distribution of the bags to the people.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the death of the woman.

He ordered the DIG (Special Branch) to investigate the incident, bring forth the facts, and identify those responsible for the negligence. “Wherever there is negligence, appropriate action will be taken,” he stated.

He further directed that the best medical facilities should be provided to the injured, adding that every human life is precious. Centers should be organized in such a way that citizens can obtain flour without any inconvenience, and arrangements should be made at all centers to prevent any stampede incidents in the future, he further said and ordered that commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners, and DPOs should review the arrangements at the centers in their respective cities. Also, the chief minister announced the opening of free flour centers at 6am throughout the province, starting from March 29 (today). During a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Office under his chair, it was decided that provincial ministers and secretaries would perform duties in assigned districts for the next three days.