GHOTKI:
The Pakistani government justified the price hike in petrol and other essential items by claiming that the increase was in line with the international market. However, the government must also recognise the minimum wages in other countries and measures implemented by governments to alleviate the impact of price hikes. In the US, the minimum wage is above $7.25 per hour in 29 states. The French government announced a 100-euro subsidy to low-income households following the price hike. In most countries, the minimum living wage is sufficient for workers to maintain a basic standard of living. While other countries have offered relief packages and welfare benefits to facilitate low-income households.
In 2020, the minimum wage in Pakistan was Rs32,000 per month. While the minimum wage in the province of Sindh was Rs17,500 per month, only recently did the Sindh government increase the minimum wage up to Rs25,000 per month. It cannot be denied that the price hike is in line with international trend, but the government must assume responsibility and offer subsidies to the people and raise the minimum wage. Otherwise, many people will be forced towards poverty and starvation, which can cause a larger crisis for the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2021.
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