KARACHI: The Emirates Red Crescent is distributing thousands of iftar boxes in the rural areas of Pakistan’s Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan provinces, the UAE consulate said recently, reiterating its commitment to spreading joy among impoverished Pakistanis without discrimination. 

Every year the Emirates Red Crescent distributes iftar boxes in Pakistan during the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and increasingly engage in the remembrance of the Almighty. 

The Emirates Red Crescent distributed thousands of iftar boxes among poor Pakistanis in Ramadan last year as well. 

“Thousands of people fasting are receiving the blessings of iftar every day through the iftar dastarkhwan [project] by the Red Crescent,” a statement by the UAE consulate in Karachi said on Sunday. “This is being carried out in the rural and backward areas of Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab.”

The consulate said that the Red Crescent’s first priority is distributing iftar boxes prepared in accordance with the highest standards of hygiene to people. 

Emirates Red Crescent Director Hamad Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi said spreading happiness and smiles on the faces of one’s own brings heartfelt satisfaction. 

“The series of love that begins with the month of Ramadan will double the joy of Eid Al-Fitr,” Remeithi said. 

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, with most practicing Muslims considering it a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline and devotion. Fasting serves as a means of strengthening faith and developing empathy for the less fortunate.

Pakistan welcomed the start of the holy month on Sunday, a day after the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar began in Saudi Arabia.