KARACHI:
Pakistan is known as an agricultural country and is amongst the world’s top ten producers of wheat, cotton, sugarcane, mango, dates, and oranges. Major crops including wheat, rice, etc contribute 2.1% to the country’s total GDP. Unfortunately, the country is currently faced with food shortages, particularly a worsening flour crisis.
Tandoorwalas have raised prices of naan from Rs25 to Rs30 and have warned of further increases in the coming days. Until a few days ago, a bag of 50 kilograms of fine flour cost Rs8,000, which jumped to Rs10,000 followed by another increase of up to Rs13,500. Following the wheat crisis, prices of other essential food items have also risen. The lower-income and vulnerable groups were already surviving on minimal food and will now be brought to the brink of starvation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who was known for his good administrative skills has failed to steer the country out of the crisis and offer relief to the masses. I cannot help but worry that in the coming months, the masses will be faced with serious challenges if the government fails to tackle the worsening situation. The government must urgently find a way to address the wheat crisis and control inflation.
Mahaz Ahmed
Asiabad
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
