In Pakistan, the cost of living has increased immensely over the past 25 years. We might think that such an increase is normal and not in the control of the Government, but in reality, the cost of living can easily be brought down by good planning and honest implementation.
The cost of living in Pakistan started increasing with the systematic increase in taxes on daily use items such as electricity, gas, fuel, wheat, communication, transportation, and daily-use food items. Fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate also drives up import costs and government spending.
Electricity unit cost was Rs16 in 2008, but it is Rs78 now. US dollar exchange rate was Rs118 and now it is Rs280. Fuel prices have skyrocketed, directly affecting every sector from agriculture to transport. Even essential medicines have become unaffordable for many.
If the Government wants to improve the lives of Pakistanis, they must do everything in their power to lower these additional taxes of daily use products to help bring down their costs and consequently help reduce the living cost of Pakistanis. This would ultimately elevate people out of poverty.
Shahryar Khan Baseer
Islamabad
