THE government’s claim of inflation falling from 38 per cent to 4.9pc is not comprehensible, for every household item is still out of the reach of the common man. In fact, the prices of most of esse-ntial items have gone up. There is hardly any trickledown effect. Potatoes are being sold at Rs120 per kg, and tomatoes at up to Rs250, while there should have been a decrease of 50-70pc if one considers the government’s claims and figures.

Despite the sliding dollar, the cooking oil and ghee prices have gone up by Rs50-80 a litre. The prices of lentils, spices and other essentials have swelled by 30pc. Medicines, infant milk, baby food, and other personal grooming items have also seen a sharp rise in prices.

The US dollar has been stable for the last 12 months. The prices of petroleum products have also been in the medium range, rising only moderately. However, the prices have not gone down even a bit.

The federal government should bring stringent laws to hold the relevant officials accountable, and dismissing them from their services if they fail to contain what surely is artificial price hike.

People can enjoy the fruit of falling inflation and increasing financial stability only and only when honest and efficient governance is ensured across the land.

Anwar Hussain
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024