People await relief amid rising costs

Islamabad:For the government, routine inflation seems to have become a non-issue, or perhaps the leadership is oblivious to the harsh realities on the ground. Meanwhile, the public continues to bear the crushing weight of relentless tax burdens, skyrocketing inflation, and an ever-increasing cost of living.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recently made history, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index crossing the 100,000 mark for the first time. Government officials have boasted about inflation dropping to 7% from 35% and the economy stabilizing. Yet, these gains seem disconnected from the lives of ordinary citizens. "Why are these improvements not trickling down to the public?" residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad questioned while speaking to The News on Sunday. Amid this so-called "ideal situation" of a strengthening economy and historic achievements, the federal government once again raised petroleum prices. Petrol now costs Rs252.10 per liter, up from Rs248.38, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has climbed to Rs258.43 per liter, up from Rs255.14. The hikes are attributed to global oil price fluctuations, but the public remains unconvinced.

“Who is benefiting from this supposedly strong economy, reduced inflation, and a booming stock market? Only God knows," lamented one disgruntled citizen. The ground reality paints a grim picture. The government has seemingly closed all avenues of relief for the poor. Even beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) are struggling. Subsidies at Utility Stores Corporation (USC) have been eliminated, leaving consumers at the mercy of profiteers and hoarders in open markets.

Public frustration is further fuelled by skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. Ghee and cooking oil have seen an increase of Rs50 to Rs150 per kilogram, pulses have jumped by Rs40 to Rs100 per kilogram, and rice by Rs20 to Rs40 per kilogram. Garlic, which was previously available for Rs600 per kilogram, now sells for Rs900.

Branded ghee is being sold at Rs550 per kilogram, up from Rs500, while local ghee costs Rs500 per kilogram, compared to Rs350 just weeks ago. Vegetables have also become unaffordable, with potatoes priced at Rs120 to Rs160 per kilogram, onions at Rs150, ginger at Rs600, and garlic at Rs900.

Meat prices are equally staggering. Mutton costs between Rs2,200 and Rs2,500 per kilogram, compared to Rs1,600 earlier. Beef prices have soared to Rs1,300 per kilogram, up from Rs800. Chicken meat, which briefly dropped to Rs500 per kilogram, has previously hit highs of Rs800 to Rs900. Other essentials are no exception. Red chilies have maintained their steep price of Rs800 per kilogram for over two years. Washing powders are selling at rates ranging from Rs500 to Rs800 per kilogram. Even transportation fares have become unbearable, with stop-to-stop fares reaching Rs50.

In interviews with The News, residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad expressed their outrage, accusing the government of prioritizing everything else over public grievances. "The people's hardships seem to be the last priority," they said. Muhammad Usman Malik, a resident of Rawalpindi, questioned the government’s claims. "If everything is improving, why isn’t the public experiencing any relief? The government has given public sector departments free rein to exploit the people as they wish. How can we expect relief in such a situation?" he criticized.

Munawar Ahmed, another citizen, pointed out the alarming state of governance. "This is the first government in history where corrupt officials are being promoted despite facing cases in the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), FIA, and NAB," he alleged. The public has appealed to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to address these issues urgently. "Act now before it’s too late," warned Ahmed.