KARACHI:
The raging pandemic has already adversely affected the working class — many have lost their jobs and witnessed salary cuts while others have had to close their business and file for bankruptcy. While incomes have reduced, cost of living has continued to mount owing to the inflated prices of food, fuel and electricity which have recently sky-rocketed.
With the country still not being able to secure the vaccine, it seems that the middle-class will continue to be squeezed from all sides till this pandemic subsides. Even though First World countries have started to roll out vaccination campaigns, hoping that the virus can be contained in the future, prospects in Pakistan look rather bleak. In the midst of winter, shortage of gas has forced the people to incur the additional cost of gas cylinders for the purpose of heating. The news that Karachiites should prepare for load-shedding during the upcoming summer season or pay through their nose for diesel for generators has further added to their misery. It is also unfair that people end up paying higher fuel charge adjustments because instead of gas, furnace oil is used as a more expensive replacement.
Considering the plight of the middle-class, who constitute about 16 million people, I urge all our elected representatives to exercise their mandate and solve these issues in the best interest of the people. The future of the country and the safety of citizens hangs in the balance.
Zain Faisal
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 5th, 2021.
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