Pakistan: How your Zakat is helping widows in need

In Pakistan, a staggering 53 million people are living in poverty. That’s almost a quarter of the population.

With a large population and high rates of poverty, the threat of natural disaster is sadly another concern for communities in need. For people like Beor, it’s a reality that’s all too familiar.

Beor: Struggling to survive the winter

Beor is a 55-year-old widow who lives with her son in a small village in Mirpur, Pakistan. A stay-at-home mother, her son would work at a local market and look after their goats too. They lived in a small house that consists of one room and toilet.

The family struggled to meet their basic living costs and often relied on the help of their community and neighbours.

One day, Beor was out getting firewood when an earthquake struck the area, sadly destroying her home.

The family spent many days outdoors because of the shock:

We were all shaken after the earthquake. We’re now scared it could happen [again] at any moment. (Beor)

Following the disaster, Beor and her son stayed with a neighbour for a short while as the family can’t afford to build a new home.

However, alhamdulillah, they’re now living in a winterised tent provided by Islamic Relief:

After the earthquake, it was really difficult to survive in temporary shelter because it was not winterised or waterproof.

The weather here is very cold… It was difficult to survive in such harsh conditions.

Then, Islamic Relief provided me with winterised tent that helped me to survive in the harsh cold weather. I believe this was lifesaving aid and I am really thankful for this generous support.

It’s thanks to your generous Zakat donations that Beor and her family had safe shelter last winter. Thank you for your critical support.

You truly are life-savers.