Twin cities’ residents struggle amidst escalating inflation

Rawalpindi:The federal and provincial governments have failed to provide any meaningful relief to the public, as rising inflation and lack of governance have left citizens burdened and frustrated. While authorities seem occupied with other matters, the general public continues to suffer under the weight of soaring living costs, repeated curfew-like restrictions and road closures, and frequent service suspensions such as the shutdown of the Metro Bus, a key transportation lifeline. Additionally, the registration of thousands of FIRs (First Information Reports) against ordinary citizens over dengue SOP violations has further aggravated public resentment. Compounding these issues is the government’s decision to end subsidies on essential food items, placing further strain on households already struggling to cope with high taxes, and rising electricity and gas bills.

Muhammad Asim, a senior citizen, criticised the administration’s decision to register FIRs against citizens over dengue protocol violations. "Why are they registering FIRs against the public? It is the responsibility of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and health authorities to ensure timely spraying in affected areas. Instead, they target ordinary people to showcase their performance," he lamented. Asim also highlighted how many citizens, already financially strained, are now faced with the additional burden of hiring lawyers to seek bail for these cases. A market survey conducted by ‘The News’ revealed that profiteers and hoarders are exploiting the situation, selling essential items at exorbitant prices. Chicken, for instance, is being sold at rates ranging from Rs760 to Rs880 per kilogram, while mutton prices have surged to between Rs2,200 and Rs2,500 per kilogram. Even basic vegetables have become unaffordable, with potatoes priced at Rs130 per kilogram, onions at Rs180, garlic at Rs600, and ginger at Rs800.

Despite claims by the Punjab government of reducing flour prices, the cost of basic food items continues to rise. A 20-kilogram bag of flour is now being sold for Rs1,880, compared to Rs1,750 just recently. Similarly, the cost of vegetables like peas, carrots, and okra have soared, with 10 kilograms of peas priced at Rs400, carrots at Rs180 per kilogram, and okra at Rs150 per kilogram. Dairy prices have also surged, with milk now selling for Rs220 to Rs250 per litre.

The Utility Stores Corporation (USC), once a beacon of hope for the poor, is no longer a viable option for many, as the federal government has ended all subsidies on food items. The public is left with no relief, forcing them to pay exorbitant prices for even the most basic necessities. Shazia Ikram, a housewife, expressed her frustration over the government's taxation policies. "How many taxes do we have to pay. The government keeps taking money from us through taxes but provides no relief. How are we supposed to survive,” she questioned. She voiced strong disapproval of the government’s failure to prioritise public welfare, calling it the "champion of snatching relief from the people.”

Naveed Ahmed, another citizen, pointed out that while people across the country are protesting various issues, the government’s response has been to register FIRs against innocent citizens and use force, including tear gas and baton charges. "It seems that this government neither changes its policies nor allows people to even express their grievances,” he said. Citizens of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are appealing to the Prime Minister and Punjab's Chief Minister to address these urgent issues. They demand an end to the mistreatment of ordinary people, particularly in relation to the dengue FIRs, and call for immediate action to tackle the rising cost of living and the burden of inflation. The public is urging the authorities to hold irresponsible officials accountable instead of punishing innocent citizens.