A health official in Pakistan announced today, Friday, that 11 people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in the southern city of Karachi. This incident is one of several similar occurrences that have taken place in recent weeks as the country's economic crisis worsens. The police reported that among the deceased were five women and three children, and five others were hospitalized after the incident at a distribution site run by a charity.
In recent weeks, at least five people have been killed and many injured at flour distribution centers in other regions of Pakistan. Official records have shown that thousands of bags of flour have been looted from trucks and distribution points. Thousands of Pakistanis are gathering at flour distribution centers, established by the government as part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation, which has exceeded 30%, the highest level in 50 years.
The Pakistani government launched a flour distribution program to reach millions of needy families during Ramadan. Prices of basic goods in Pakistan have risen, including flour, which has increased by more than 45% in the past year.
