t the start of year 2025, let us talk about something that matters to everyone: the price of groceries we purchase every day. If you have ever walked into a store and wondered why sugar costs more than the last week, you are not alone. Fortunately, there is a way out of this. To make sure everyday essentials stay affordable, Pakistan needs a game plan — one that is smart, practical and inspired by ideas that have worked elsewhere.

Take a page from India’s playbook. They have got this thing called the National Agriculture Market, or e-NAM. Think of it as a digital farmers’ market where farmers and buyers interact directly. There are no middlemen seeking a big cut and no shady deals. It is all fair and square. Now, imagine a Pakistan Agriculture Market doing the same. Farmers post their offers online, buyers bid, and everyone gets a fair deal. It is simple, transparent and effective.

Then there is China. They have nailed the art of emergency reserves. Picture warehouses stocked with staples like wheat and sugar, ready to roll out when times get tough. Pakistan could do something similar — build up strategic reserves across the country. When prices start climbing, or a natural disaster happens, these reserves kick in. No panic, no chaos.

Of course, rules matter too. The European Union is very tough when it comes to competition policies. They have got tough rules that break up monopolies and keep markets fair. Our Competition Commission can borrow a page from that book, especially in sectors like sugar and wheat. No more cartel games driving up prices.

And let us not forget Brazil. Their Bolsa Família programme has been a lifesaver for low-income families. It’s a targeted subsidy programme that puts money where it is needed most. Pakistan’s Ehsaas Kafalat programme could step up its efforts, focusing primarily on subsidising everyday essentials. It’s direct, impactful and can keep families afloat.

Now, for the long-term game: self-reliance. Look at Vietnam. They have gone from importing staple foods to being a major exporter. How? By investing in agriculture, offering tax breaks and upgrading their farming techniques. Pakistan has the potential to do the same. Boost production, modernise farming and improve irrigation. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving.

Hoarding and smuggling? Let us shut it down. Turkey has shown how it can be done with strict penalties and proactive enforcement. Pakistan too can introduce tough anti-hoarding laws and back them up with digital monitoring systems. Imagine a network that tracks storage facilities in real time, ensuring that goods reach the market instead of sitting in some warehouse waiting for prices to spike.

Then there is China. They have nailed the art of emergency reserves. Picture warehouses stocked with staples like wheat and sugar, ready to roll out when times get tough. Pakistan could do something similar — build up strategic reserves across the country.

Technology is the wildcard. Kenya’s M-Farm is a great idea. It is an app that gives farmers real-time price data and lets them deal directly with buyers. Pakistan could build its own version of this. But why stop at farmers? Add features for consumers to compare prices of essentials and report overpricing. Make it user-friendly, and you’ve got a game-changer.

Partnerships can amplify these efforts. Look at the US and their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme. Retailers team up with the government to provide subsidised goods. Utility Stores and big retailers could join forces in a similar way. Imagine walking into a store and finding a section with affordable, subsidised essentials — that’s a win for everyone.

But policies and programmes are only as good as the people who know about them. In the UK, consumer watchdogs not only educate people on fair pricing but also give them tools to report shady practices. Pakistan can and should build a network like that. Use social media, mobile apps and community outreach to keep the public informed and engaged.

Speaking of smart policies, let us talk about pricing. South Korea’s dynamic pricing mechanisms are a masterstroke. They adjust prices in real-time based on market conditions. Pakistan could adopt a similar system to keep things steady.

How about cutting production costs using renewable energy? Germany’s Renewable Energy Act has shown that clean energy isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for the wallet too.

Finally, let us think global. The World Food Programme (WFP) is a powerhouse when it comes to stabilizing food supplies during crises. Partnering with WFP could give Pakistan access to emergency food supplies, making sure no one goes hungry when disaster strikes. It’s about being prepared, not just reactive.

What does all this add up to: a holistic, smart approach that combines the best of local ingenuity and global wisdom. Pakistan can ensure affordability and availability of essential goods and services for everyone, setting a standard for other emerging economies to follow. It’s not just about solving today’s problems; it is also about building a future where everyone has what they need without breaking the bank. That is a future worth investing in.

The writer is a chartered accountant and a business analyst