THERE is enormous resentment amongst the public over soaring prices of essential commodities, fruits and vegetables. We understand that PTI government had to take politically tough decisions in order to steer the economy out of dire straits yet government focus should be to improve coordination in various departments so that price control mechanism works effectively to provide relief to masses and protect fixed income groups from rising inflation.
It is heartening to note that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken notice of the price hike and while chairing a meeting on Saturday ordered action against those creating artificial price hike and pocketing big profits. The decisions taken at the meeting such as launching mobile apps to update consumers about eatables’ prices and activating tehsil level committees to keep prices under control are steps in the right direction which need to be implemented at the earliest so that people may heave a sigh of relief. The government has a full network of Utility Stores at its disposal through which it can provide relief to masses by decreasing prices of essential commodities especially oil, pulses, flour and sugar. This will also help stabilise prices in the open market. Government must ensure that quality products are available at all Utility Stores with reasonable prices. Presently low quality fruits and vegetables are sold in the country on exorbitant prices while gone are the days when quality fruits and vegetables were available to the people of Pakistan on reasonable prices.
Similarly instead of relying on import of vegetables, farmers should be facilitated and given incentives to encourage them to grow vegetables and fruits in sufficient quantity enabling the country to meet its demand domestically. As the PM has really shown commitment to serve people of this country, we are confident that he will not only ensure implementation of his decisions to check inflation but also take requisite steps to promote economic activity in the country that will ultimately lead to raising income levels of the people.
