KARACHI:
Pakistan has recently witnessed an unprecedented hike in the prices of essential commodities. When Prime Minister Imran Khan had taken over the reins of the country, he was adamant that his “zero tolerance for corruption” policy would improve the economic condition of the country. During the last few months, however, the prices of essential items have shot up drastically.
The price of ghee has been increased by 43% while petrol has become dearer by Rs10 per litre. Authorities now tell the people that the power tariff is set to rise by Rs1.39 from November. If such conditions persist, then the lower- and middle-class families will find it difficult to survive. Despite several efforts and assurances, the government has failed to control prices. The inflation rate has almost tripled since 2018. From this, one can only infer that the government is making all the wrong decisions. They must therefore act immediately to curtail corrupt practices such as black marketing, hoarding and profiteering. Those who are found guilty must be dealt with, with an iron hand.
It is high time that the government owned up to its responsibility and kept a stern check on rising inflation, unemployment, and incidents of crimes. The government must review its performance.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2021.
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