Ramazan relief measures?

Once again, the populace of Punjab faces the burden of soaring food prices as Ramazan approaches. Reports suggest that the Punjab government will not provide subsidies on flour this Ramazan, a departure from past practices. Furthermore, the number of Ramazan bazaars (model bazaars) might decrease significantly from 310 to 51 across Punjab. Instead, the government aims to distribute relief hampers directly to deserving families, resembling the Benazir Income Support Programme.

With short-term inflation 30.68 per cent year-on-year in the week ending February 22, the cost of living has become increasingly untenable, exacerbated by frequent and substantial increases in petrol, diesel, gas, and electricity prices. Concurrently, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has already hiked prices on various items, including cooking oil, noodles, formula milk, shampoo etc. As Ramazan approaches, the traditional surge in prices for food items like fruits and vegetables is anticipated to further strain household budgets, with little reprieve in sight.

Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui

Islamabad