It has been revealed that Islamabad Administration is collecting extortion in the name of Langar Khanas-part of multi-dimensional Ehsaas Program, from local traders.
Reliable sources informed that no accounts have been opened up till now to cater to the demands of Langar Khanas, announced by the Imran Khan government.
https://twitter.com/mmnewsdottv/status/1224194724938076160
According to an estimate, up till now the Islamabad Administration has collected Rs. 200m for Langar Khanas from different traders and housing society owners in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Imran Khan started Langar Khanas with the assistance of the Selani Foundation, but now the Islamabad Administration knocked the doors of traders to run the expanses of these soup kitchens to feed the poor.
Also revealed through sources, that to meet the expenditure of soup kitchens, every Tehsildar is given a target of depositing Rs.2 lacs and land revenue officers 1 lac.
The report claims that local authorities and administration are funding the makeshift homes from their budget since the federal authority has not allocated the budget for the operations of Panahgahs
In this regard when contacted with Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Amir Ahmad Ali said that the Langar Khana responsibility was given to Selani Foundation, and some international donors.
He further told that an independent board is also under consideration to run the Langar Khanas, in which there is no role of Islamabad Administration.
With the consensus of this board, an account would be opened for Langar Khanas, which is monitored by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.
Read more: Panahgah in need of Panah: Shelter Homes nears shut down
Lack of funds
According to a report, PM Khan’s key initiative shelter homes named “Panahgaahs” for the homeless people are reeling with limited funds to function smoothly.
The report claims that local authorities and administration are funding the makeshift homes from their budget since the federal authority has not allocated the budget for the operations of Panahgahs.
2 more panahgaahs established in Islamabad . In Barakahu and Tarnol. Senator @FaisalJavedKhan had dinner with us tonight at Tarlai. We have catered for around 5 lac people in the last one year pic.twitter.com/R2qE8mPpbf
— Office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) December 29, 2019
Call to upgrade the shelter homes
Earlier, the news of shortage of beds at I-11 shelter home in Islamabad circulated on social media. The shelter home with a capacity of 200 people experienced an influx of people following the fall in temperature in the federal capital.
Among the beneficiaries are low-income bevy including daily wage laborers and the unemployed. They said that with the free service they can save more money for their families from their marginal incomes
The shelter home has 80 complete beds left that are insufficient to accommodate more than 200 people. Caretaker of the Panahgah, Rosh Dil Khan, appealed the affluent and philanthropists to help them meet the financial and administrative needs of the shelter home.
He informed that during the recent wave of rainfall in the city, the number of people getting served three-time meals exceeded more than 1000.
Rosh Khan said 300 people were served with breakfast, 500 with lunch and over 600 people were fed dinner.
Read more: Ehsaas Saylani Langer Scheme: Ambitious Project to Feed Millions with Dignity
Hence shelter homes, one of the noble projects of the current government, call for immediate attention. Among the beneficiaries are low-income bevy including daily wage laborers and the unemployed. They said that with the free service they can save more money for their families from their marginal incomes. These homes were functional within 20 days after PM Khan issued orders.
They appreciated the government’s concern for them. However, a true welfare project is nearing shut down if not given attention.