Inflation in Pakistan: People Struggle with Rising Prices of Food and Essentials
In Karachi, Pakistan, inflation is making it hard for people to afford basic food items like vegetables and pulses. Prices change drastically, causing stress for both sellers and buyers.
Impact on Sellers
Muhammad Waseem, a vegetable seller, said, “Both the seller and the customer remain worried. On one day tomatoes cost PKR 120 per Kg and the very next day it rises to PKR 200 per Kg.” Ghulam Fareed, another merchant, added that monsoon damage and market hoarding worsen the situation, forcing small shopkeepers to sell at higher prices.
Impact on Consumers
Mukhtar Ahmed, a consumer, expressed his grievances, saying, “The entire middle class is tense as we are not able to procure essential food items for our families. The government must design a policy to control the price of these essentials.” He added that inflation affects not just food but also rents, bills, and electricity, making daily life difficult for the middle class.
Ahmed also mentioned that government officials use facilities paid for by the public without incurring any expense, adding to the economic pressure on ordinary people.
Doubts Revealed
Inflation -: Inflation means that the prices of things we buy, like food and clothes, go up. This makes it harder for people to buy what they need.
Pakistan -: Pakistan is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has many people who are facing problems because things are getting more expensive.
Monsoon -: Monsoon is a season with a lot of rain. In some places, it can cause floods and damage crops, making food more expensive.
Market hoarding -: Market hoarding happens when people or businesses keep a lot of goods to sell them later at higher prices. This makes things more expensive for everyone else.
Mukhtar Ahmed -: Mukhtar Ahmed is a person in Pakistan who is asking the government to help control prices and stop corruption. He represents the common people who are struggling.
Corruption -: Corruption means dishonest or illegal actions by people in power, like taking bribes. It makes problems worse because it stops fair solutions.
Middle class -: Middle class refers to people who are not very rich but not very poor. They usually have jobs and can afford basic needs, but inflation makes their life harder.