Crowding at relief sites in Pakistan leaves 16 dead

Crowds at flour distribution points in Pakistan. Source: Times of India

Insecurity broke out in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on April 1, when large numbers of people gathered at flour distribution sites, leading to jostling and stampedes.

Unrest broke out as scores of people rushed to flour distribution points across the city, causing chaos.

Security forces had to use tear gas and fire into the air to disperse the crowd.

At least 16 people have died in stampedes at flour distribution centers in Peshawar in recent days.

Meanwhile, thousands of bags of flour were also taken advantage of by many people to loot from trucks and distribution locations.

The free flour distribution program is being implemented under the Pakistani government's policy to support people in coping with high inflation, which has reached 35.3% in March.

However, some Pakistani officials have expressed opposition to this policy, saying that the government should provide cash assistance to avoid the current insecurity.

According to VNA