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MULTAN, Nov 09 (APP): In the heart of Punjab, where traditions run deep and communities thrive on shared values, one humble yet remarkable practice continues to unite communities which is known as the committee culture. Known locally as the Kameeti, this age-old system is far more than a savings plan. It’s a circle of trust, cooperation, and compassion, a quiet yet powerful expression of how communities take care of their own.
Across bustling markets, narrow lanes, and quiet neighborhoods, the rhythm of these committees beats steadily. Ten, fifteen, or twenty people come together, each contributing a small, fixed amount daily or monthly. The pooled sum is then awarded to one member through a draw, and the process continues until everyone has had their turn. Simple, yet deeply meaningful, it’s a financial lifeline built entirely on faith.
At its core, the Kameeti is a community-based support system that helps people meet major life expenses without turning to banks or loans. Whether it’s funding a wedding, investing in a small business, or covering household needs, it offers a way to save gradually together.
Jameel Ahmed from Vehari has been collecting committees for years. He calls it “a culture of both money and trust.” He said, “Since I collect the money, I usually keep the first draw myself. It helps me invest in my business. Later, I collect daily contributions from others and sometimes use that cash during the day before returning it in the evening. This keeps money circulating and benefits everyone.”
Trust is the invisible thread that holds the system together. Members hand over their contributions without hesitation, confident that fairness will prevail. In a world where financial dealings are often bound by contracts and clauses, the Kameeti thrives on nothing more than mutual faith — and that, perhaps, is its greatest strength.
The tradition cuts across professions and social classes. Traders use their turn to expand shops or purchase inventory. Government employees time their payouts to coincide with weddings or school admissions. Many women run home-based committees, managing household needs or saving for their daughters’ dowries.
Shaukat, a trader from Multan, says he joined a committee this year with a purpose. “I’ve saved my turn for just before my niece’s wedding,” he explains. “That way, I’ll have the money when I need it most — without borrowing or depending on anyone.”
Beyond money, what makes this culture truly beautiful is its spirit of empathy. Often, when a member’s name comes up in the draw and they don’t urgently need the money, they offer their turn to someone facing a greater need. It’s a small act of generosity, yet it speaks volumes about the compassion that keeps this system alive.
But the Kameeti is more than an informal savings network – it’s also a social one. Regular meetings turn into friendly gatherings where members share stories, advice, and laughter. Over time, these financial circles evolve into support groups, strengthening the very fabric of community life.
In an age of digital wallets, online transfers, and impersonal transactions, Punjab’s committee culture stands as a reminder of something timeless: that trust and human connection still matter. Without contracts, interest rates, or fine print, people continue to support one another, one contribution at a time.
Through this simple yet profound tradition, South Punjab preserves a legacy of unity, empathy, and collective wisdom, proving that when hearts align and hands join, even the smallest savings can create life-changing impact.