Inflation-weary residents stage protest

The Quetta Development Forum (QDF) on Friday staged a protest demonstration against skyrocketing prices of commodities and runaway inflation in Balochistan.

The activists of the QDF and members of civil society lashed out at the federal and provincial governments for their failure to control the prices of essential commodities.

“We strongly condemn this self-imposed inflation which has made lives miserable for the general public,” Abdul Mateen Akhundzada, the leader of the QDF, said.

He claimed that the district administration was also complicit in the higher prices of commodities and the self-imposed inflation in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.

The protesters were also carrying placards inscribed with slogans condemning the inflation, government, and mafias involved in what they called the self-imposed inflation in the province and country.

“The masses should rise against this injustice to put pressure on the ruling elite,” Nazar Muhammad Bareech, another leader of the QDF, said, adding that the rulers were least bothered about the plight of the general public and they were left at the mercy of what he called senseless administrators.

Nazeer Bazai and other leaders of the QDF also addressed the protesters and strongly condemned the government for its failure to give relief to the people during the sacred month of Ramazan.

“Other provinces have given subsidies to their residents, whereas our government has been totally unaware of the plight of its people,” Abdul Mateen Akhundzada said.

He noted that mafias and the administration were jointly involved in the higher inflation in Quetta city.

“We demand strict action against hoarders as they are also responsible for the shortage of daily-use items,” Akhundzada said.

The protesters gathered outside the Quetta Press Club and shouted slogans against the administration and the elements involved in sending prices through the roof.

The QDF leaders threatened that they would intensify their protest if the government and administration failed to take effective steps against the hoarders.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2023.