BRINGING down the prices of essential commodities and
providing relief to the masses has undoubtedly been the focus of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the same is manifested in the series of meetings he has held on these issues over the last few months.
Chairing another meeting on Monday, he once again directed the provincial governments to formulate a joint strategy to transfer the benefits of reduction in petroleum prices to the people. Whilst one appreciates the concerns of the Prime Minister for the common man, yet the reality is that these meetings are not resulting in any concrete action on the ground so far. Directions are issued but these apparently are falling on the deaf ears. The petroleum prices are witnessing a decline over the last two or three months but the transport and the industrial sectors continue to fleece the common man as there is neither reduction in fares nor in the prices of commodities. The situation is that the flour price is once again on the rise and the Sugar Mills Association has refused to decline the price of sugar despite the direction of Islamabad High Court. This amounts to challenging the writ of the state. We, therefore, urge the federal government to go beyond indoor meetings and verbal instructions. Strict action should be launched against this mafia without any discrimination if it is really interested to protect the common man from inflation. Time warrants action on the ground to bring a visible change in the lives of the people. Similarly, a large scale operation needs to be initiated in all the provinces against spurious and adulterated items as those involved in this business are playing with the health and life of the consumers and they deserve no mercy but strict punishment. Punjab Food Authority has been doing a good work over the last few years but it needs to further expand its operations ensuring that the people have access to quality and pure items ranging from milk to spices.
