NO JOY FOR CONSUMERS: Before one gets too excited about inflation dropping to a single digit, it would be worth putting the matter in a proper perspective. As inflation for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024 was around 29pc and 25pc, respectively, any product which cost Rs100 on July 1, 2022, would have gone up to Rs129 by June 30, 2023, and to Rs161 (25pc over Rs129) on June 30, 2024. So the hyped-up single-digit inflation will mean the price going up further to Rs176 (9.4pc over Rs161). While the politicians beat their drums loudly, the drop to 9.4pc is no joy for consumers.
Moin Mohajir
Karachi
MEDICAL COLLEGE FEE: Private medical colleges have increased the tuition fee. The average annual fee is in the range of Rs1.5 to Rs2.5 million. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) seems least interested in the matter. Besides, the colleges openly demand ‘donation’ from the parents, knowing that the regulatory body is dormant. The admission process in private medical colleges should be supervised by the PMDC, and the fee must be reduced.
Dr Javed Iqbal
Islamabad
A WRONG MOVE: Though the matter of purchasing 138 double-cabin vehicles for assistant commissioners across Sindh is currently on a hold, it is amazing that the provincial government even thought of such an absurdity. While we are struggling to survive by acquiring loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), such a move by the Sindh government reflects total apathy towards the masses.
Asad Ali Wahidi
Karachi
POWER BILL RELIEF: The Gover-nment of Punjab has provided subsidy on electricity bills for consumers. However, as per the management of Bahria Town Lahore, this subsidy is not granted to its residents. The relief given to other parts of Punjab should also be extended to the people of Bahria Town. I hope the auth-orities concerned will consider this request and grant the relief to our community.
Javaid Saadat
Lahore
Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2024
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