Financial burden.

THERE has been a massive surge in fuel prices and even more trouble is said to be in the offing. The government, which had been reluctant, had hardly any other option to take the country out of its current economic crisis by winning back the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) except increasing the petroleum prices.

This unprecedented hike has drawn criticism from the public, and that is understandable. The hike in prices has immediate ripple effect on the entire economy. When inflation increases, the purchasing power goes down, and up goes people's frustration with the government of the time. The government would definitely pay the political cost of this bold decision. It truly deserves credit for making this harsh decision in the national interest while jeopardising its vote bank for the forthcoming elections.

However, the government needs to take some other steps as well. For instance, markets should not be allowed to remain functional beyond a preset time, say, around 8pm. Most developed countries open businesses early in the morning and pull the shutter down not too long after the sunset. It saves electricity, reduces demand for petrol and ultimately eases pressure on energy requirements. Paradoxically, markets in major Pakistani cities open late in the...