I am writing to draw attention to an issue that is rarely discussed openly: the financial burden that death can place on Pakistani families.
Losing a loved one is already one of the most painful experiences a family can face. Yet afterwards, families often have to manage expenses for kafan, ghusl, transportation, grave charges and burial arrangements. For middle-class and low-income families, these costs can be difficult to bear, particularly when the deceased was the household’s main earner.
The financial pressure may continue after the burial. In different parts of Pakistan, families follow various mourning customs and gatherings, including Soyum, Daswan, Chaliswan and other local traditions. These practices have different meanings for different communities and should be respected. The problem arises when social expectations turn them into financial obligations.
Families may feel pressured to arrange food, seating and other gatherings because they fear criticism from relatives or neighbours. Some may even borrow money to meet social expectations at a time when they are already emotionally and financially vulnerable.
We need to ask ourselves whether we are truly supporting grieving families or unintentionally adding to their burden. Offering condolences should not become a competition over how much a family can spend.
Relatives and neighbours can help by providing food, contributing towards necessary expenses or simply being present. Authorities should also ensure transparent and affordable burial charges and better management of public graveyards. Death is unavoidable, but the financial hardship that follows does not have to be. A person’s final farewell should be based on dignity, prayer and love, not on how much money the family can afford to spend.
BATOOL FATIMA,
Karachi.
