Inflation storm in Pakistan before Ramadan

 

The government has dropped another petrol bomb on the inflation-stricken public and has increased the price of petrol by Rs 5, high-speed diesel by Rs 13 and kerosene by around Rs 2.50.  The notification of new prices has been issued. On the other hand, the Federal Minister for Planning, chairing the meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee, has issued instructions to the Ministry of National Food Security and the provincial governments that they should have also directed to maintain a balance in the prices of food items, especially edible oil, so that maximum relief can be given to the people in the month of Ramadan and no crisis occurs in the country.

 When former prime minister Imran Khan was in power, 13 parties in the PDM alliance used to say that the PTI government had dropped the atomic bomb of inflation on the people. The party also took a long march while the Muslim League (N) also recorded its protest, the popularity of the Muslim League (N) had reached such a level that it could not come out to the public then nor does it have any sense now. Mian Shehbaz Sharif is increasing inflation while Maryam Nawaz says that it is not her government, it is the turn of the left that no one is ready to stand in the field for Muslim League. In April 2022, the PDM alliance removed him from power through a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan. At that time, he said that the lives of the people had become miserable due to inflation. The situation is very bad, we will provide relief to the people soon. Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif announced that he will sell his clothes and give relief to the people. Their clothes are still intact, but people are now selling their children for two meals a day.

Petroleum products are being increased twice a month. At this time, the price of American crude oil has decreased by 6.39% to $66.77 per barrel, while the price of British Brent crude oil has decreased by 6%. After that, the price of British Brent crude oil per barrel has come to 72.80 dollars. Not only this, the price of petroleum products have also decreased before, but the current government has decided to kill the people by increasing the oil prices. If seen, the inflation rate reached 31.6 percent in February, which is the highest level in 50 years in the country.

 By this time, the government on its own had there is no way to get rid of the wave of turmoil. The inflation that is still happening is behind a long list of demands from the IMF. Earlier there was electricity subsidy for farmers, which was removed by this government. Now, how can farmers buy expensive electricity and provide wheat and rice to the people at cheap prices? If you see, the government and related institutions are not able to fulfill their responsibility. Decrease in income, increase in unemployment and government due to the weakening of the administrative grip, the sufferings of the people have increased to an alarming extent, for which there is no plan to alleviate them. After the new wave of inflation, the number of people living below the poverty line will increase, for which the government needs to take immediate steps.

After a few days, the holy month of Ramadan will begin, the government's planning for this also seems to be zero. The price of edible oil has decreased in the global market, but despite this, its positive effects are not reaching Pakistan. Instead of effective planning, the provincial authorities are spending their capacities on such works, which are not related to the public welfare. It is necessary to ensure the supply of commodities keeping in mind the demand in the market at that time especially those items that are used more in the month of Ramadan. The Commissioner, DC and Assistant Commissioner should immediately control the prices. Meanwhile, indiscriminate action should be taken against those who increase the prices and hoarders so that the people can get the goods and essentials at cheap prices during Ramadan. It is the responsibility of the government to issue instructions to the relevant departments while also instructing the assistant commissioners in the relevant areas to take effective action to control the prices.