LALAMUSA: The people of Lalamusa are grappling with a worsening inflation crisis as the cost of essential goods continues to soar.
The situation has been exacerbated by a recent decision by the Utility Stores Corporation to halt the sale of subsidized goods for even the beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support
Programme (BISP) under the Prime Minister’s Relief Package.
This move has sparked outrage among the city’s low-income residents, many of whom rely heavily on these subsidies to make ends meet. The decision to apply normal consumer rates to the BISP cardholders has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving the most vulnerable segments of society struggling to afford basic necessities.
For years, the subsidised goods available at utility stores have been a lifeline for those living below the poverty line, offering them a rare chance to purchase essential items at reduced prices. Now, that lifeline is being pulled away at a time when it is needed most.
“I used to come to the utility store to buy flour, sugar, and oil at prices that I could afford,” said a mother of four, who depends on BISP to feed her family. “But now, with the prices going up, I don’t know how I will manage. My children will go hungry if this continues.” Inflation in Lalamusa, like in many other parts of the country, has been driven by a combination of factors, including a depreciating currency and the global economic slowdown.
However, the decision to remove subsidies from the utility stores has added an extra burden on the poor, who are already struggling to survive. The timing of this decision has been met with widespread criticism. Many argue that this move highlights a deep disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by ordinary citizens. The perception is growing that the authorities responsible for these decisions do not fully grasp the gravity of the situation or the devastating impact it is having on those who are already struggling to survive.
“This is a decision made in ignorance of the suffering of the poor,” said a local social worker. “The government should be providing more support to the people in these difficult times, not taking it away. Restoring the subsidies on utility stores is not just a necessity, it is a moral obligation.”
The call to reinstate the subsidies is growing louder as the crisis deepens. Local residents are urging the government to reconsider the decision and take immediate steps to alleviate the burden on the poor. Many are also calling for broader measures to address the root causes of inflation and ensure that affordable food items are made available to those, who need them most.
