KARACHI:
Students are being hard hit by the continued increase in inflation in Pakistan especially those in hostels or out of their homes. Prices of the basic needs like food, transport and stationery have gone up tremendously making it hard to survive on a tight budget. A large number of students are solely dependent on their families, which are already struggling in the economic situation. This has left students with no choice but to cut corners in terms of nutrition, academic facilities and even health.
Students form a large segment of the population, but they are usually not taken into consideration while formulating economic policies. Specific relief interventions, including subsidised hostel services, low-cost lunch and dinner, and transportation allowances are needed urgently. Such a situation not only interferes with the education of students but also increases inequality when it comes to access to higher education. The government needs to understand that students are a vulnerable population and act swiftly to assist them.
Aqdas Nawaz Gondal
Lahore
