How a phone call saved a starving family in Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD: A police officer in Pakistan’s Punjab province has been praised for his act of kindness after he responded to a distress call from a starving family, and brought them food and household items.

Asad Rehman, the district police officer (DPO) of Layyah, received a call on Thursday from Shaheer, a resident of Basti Sargani, a rural area in the district.

Shaheer told him that he and his children had not eaten for four days and were in a dire condition due to hunger. Shaheer said he had lost all hope and motivation to live.

DPO Rehman immediately contacted Shaheer and tried to calm him down. He then went to his place with essential items such as flour, rice, oil, sugar, tea and milk.

Pakistan stands at 99 in Global Hunger Index

He also brought toys and clothes for Shaheer’s children, who were very young and malnourished.

In a video message posted on social media, Rehman said he was moved by Shaheer’s plight and wanted to help him as a fellow human being.

He also appealed to the people to help the needy who live around them, saying it was their religious duty.

The video went viral and attracted the attention of many people, including overseas Pakistanis and local businessmen, who contacted Rehman and offered to help Shaheer and other poor families in the area, the DPO told Hum Investigation Team (HIT).

He said that he was planning to distribute free food items and set up a community kitchen (free dastarkhwan) for the residents of Basti Sargani.

He said he hoped his gesture would inspire others to show compassion and generosity to those who are suffering.

Abobakar Khan