Poor people get relief items in Mardan

PESHAWAR: Former lawmaker Obaidullah Mayar has established a fund to provide relief package to daily wagers and deserving people in his constituency in Mardan district.

He had invited elders and representatives of all political parties and had formed committees to identify the deserving people. He started distributing the relief goods at Ghareebabad and Wazirabad localities on Wednesday.

The local people, elders and representatives of various organizations including Farooq Khan, Sartaj Khan and Daud Khan appreciated Obaidullah Mayar for taking the lead and establishing the fund by donating Rs2.5 million from his pocket. He had invited the leaders of other political parties to come forward to help the deserving people at this difficult time.

In a brief chat with The News, Obaidullah Mayar said he had asked the committee members to assess the requirements in the first phase so that he could donate more money in the second phase.

He said the cooperation of other people he would try to reduce the burden on poor, who were worried for a two-time meal due to coronavirus lockdown.

The local people appreciated the move, saying Obaidullah Mayar was the first who came forward and established an example for others instead of waiting for the government to provide relief package to the poor people.

“We are thankful to all those who have shown generosity and sincerity by helping the poor people,” said Sartaj Khan, adding that this initiative has raised the hopes and spirits of the poor people that someone is standing by them in this difficult time.

The authorities have locked down Mohallah Amukhel in Mayar village after the death of one Shakirullah due to coronavirus. Some family members of the deceased patient, including his mother, wife and two daughters has also tested positive for coronavirus.

The lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus has triggered fear and unrest among the daily wagers and labourers.