Hike in essential commodities - keep the fingers crossed.

Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the global economy and Pakistan is no exception. However, the glitches in the economic system of Pakistan may be somewhat distinct vis-a-vis the rest of the world. Every inhabitant of almost every part of the country has grievances about the spike in the prices of essential commodities, which has taken its toll on the diminishing income of all and sundry. Dwindling income alongside the abysmal economic growth in the country has further been aggravated by the so-called anti-market practices, which eventually leave adverse impact on the economics of every household across the country. There seems a missing LINK here...

The incumbent government is cognizant of the entire scenario of the price hike of the basic commodities but in vain. One presumes the government is helpless before the mafia, which restrain the supply chain and availability of the commodities and also cause disruption at will causing surge in prices at the expense of the populace. If it holds true, what is the government for? The masses presume the government has left them at the mercy of the unknown groups, which pull the strings of the prices of the commodities leaving the common man in the lurch.

There are plenty of questions vis-a-vis inflationary pressure in the country at present. What is the benefit of sahulat bazars, Sunday or model bazaars and the open market etc.? What fiscal, financial and administrative measures has the government taken to stabilize the prices over the period of last one year in particular? What is the role of the Competition Commission of Pakistan in this regard? What is outcome of the recommendations floated by the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) and how effective this committee is?

If the government is cognizant of the difficulties being faced by the common man, the prompt actions must be taken and the hoarders etc. must be held responsible with exemplary punishment. It is the duty of the federal government to bring stability to the prices of the basic commodities to provide relief to the downtrodden in particularly.

One is bewildered about the price mechanism of sugar, poultry, wheat flour, vegetables etc. There seems no checking of anti-market...

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