Residents await relief in 2025 despite inflationary struggles

Islamabad: Despite a tumultuous 2024 marked by unprecedented inflation and economic challenges, residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain cautiously hopeful for a better life in 2025.

The sharp surge in inflation has severely impacted the daily lives of citizens, breaking previous records and straining household budgets to the breaking point. Prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed, leaving the average citizen struggling to make ends meet. Throughout 2024, the general public endured hardships caused by soaring living costs, rampant unemployment, deteriorating law and order, corruption, and a significant devaluation of the Pakistani rupee. The situation was further exacerbated by the continuous rise in fuel prices and governance lapses in public sector departments. Despite these adversities, citizens across various walks of life have expressed hope for tangible improvements in the new year.

“If the government genuinely wants to provide relief in 2025, it must take decisive action against corruption, poor governance, and the worsening law and order situation,” residents told The News on Sunday. The call for practical measures resonated among the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, who urged the federal government to prioritize public welfare and translate promises into actions.

A survey conducted by The News revealed alarming price hikes in essential goods. Chicken meat soared to Rs730 per kilogram, onions were priced at Rs170, potatoes at Rs110, and tomatoes at Rs250 per kilogram. The prices of ginger and garlic reached Rs500 and Rs800 per kilogram, respectively. Essential items such as cooking oil, ghee, rice, and eggs were also beyond the reach of many, with eggs selling at Rs355 per dozen and rice at Rs400 per kilogram. Meat prices were similarly exorbitant, with mutton at Rs2,500 and beef at Rs1,400 per kilogram. Although the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped significantly from 38% in May 2023 to 11.8% in May 2024, the effects of this decline failed to trickle down to the most vulnerable segments of society. Food prices, which saw a 7.8% decline, brought temporary relief, but this benefit did not translate into meaningful change for the majority.

Residents attributed the persistent inflation to several factors, including a balance-of-payments crisis, currency devaluation, reliance on costly oil imports, and inefficiencies within public sector departments. Supply chain disruptions, higher production costs for farmers, and a lack of regulatory oversight further compounded the problem. Dr. Uzma Irfan, a local resident, criticized the government for failing to deliver the benefits of reduced inflation to the public. "The government must appoint honest officers to public sector departments and ensure accountability. Announcements alone won't suffice; the higher authorities need to act," she urged.

Muhammad Altaf, another resident, voiced optimism, asserting that 2025 could be the year of relief. “The federal and Punjab governments have laid the groundwork to address inflation and improve living conditions,” he said, expressing confidence that the steps taken in 2024 would bear fruit in the coming year. Despite the optimism, many citizens remain wary, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and ineffective governance. The prevailing sentiment underscores the need for swift, effective action by the authorities to restore public trust and provide genuine relief to a population weighed down by economic hardships.

The year 2025 holds the promise of a fresh start, but it remains to be seen whether the government can rise to the challenge and deliver on its commitment to the people.