For the first time in Punjab’s history, 10,000 deserving individuals and Zakat beneficiaries in the Rawalpindi division will not receive Eidul Fitr assistance. Many rely on this aid for festive celebrations, and its absence has caused significant disappointment. As a result, the monthly allowance for widows and destitute families has increased from Rs1,500 to Rs2,000, while the dowry fund has risen from Rs25,000 to Rs100,000.
The Rawalpindi district Zakat office has also increased yearly financial aid for deserving individuals. It raised the monthly subsistence allowance by Rs500 and the dowry fund for underprivileged girls by Rs75,000. This change aims to provide better support during the Eid festival.
The district Zakat office and 1,166 local Zakat committees have informed recipients that Eid gifts will not be given this year. Many Zakat beneficiaries in Rawalpindi visited the Zakat offices, hoping to receive assistance, but left empty-handed and disappointed.
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According to the Zakat Committee Administrator, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema’s office allocated Rs2.4 billion for Rawalpindi’s deserving families. However, officials told due to time constraints, it is impossible to distribute the Eid gifts before Eidul Fitr.
Instead of Eid aid, beneficiaries will receive a lump sum of Rs24,000 per family for the entire year. The new Rs2,000 monthly allowance will cover their basic needs. Officials have finalised recipient lists, and fund distribution will take place from April 7 to April 14.
Additionally, visually impaired individuals will also receive Rs24,000 annually, disbursed at Rs2,000 per month. Authorities assure that while Eid assistance has been cancelled, the increased financial aid will offer better long-term support for Zakat beneficiaries in Rawalpindi division.