Punjab’s Struggle with Inflation
Maryam Nawaz’s New Department Takes Charge
In Lahore, Pakistan, despite promises from various governments, Punjab faces challenges with rising inflation due to artificial price hikes and shortages. A significant gap between market and retail prices highlights the failure of the province’s outdated price control system. The Punjab Food Department and other related departments have been unable to manage the situation effectively.
In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has established the Department of Price Control and Commodities Management. This new department is responsible for managing the supply of essential food items, overseeing prices, and regulating industries. Within two days, 73 officers were granted price magistrate powers to help control prices.
However, the public continues to suffer from high prices. Salman Khalid, a local shopper, expressed frustration over the inflated prices of vegetables and fruits. Another customer, Tasleem Arshad, criticized the market committee’s rate list as ineffective.
Efforts to control prices in Punjab have been ongoing for decades, but with limited success. Economists, like former Finance Minister Salman Shah, argue that the current system is inadequate. Shah suggests that the new department should have specialized officials for price regulation and that modern legislation is needed to address issues like cartels and artificial inflation.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab, Pakistan -: Punjab is a region in Pakistan, not to be confused with Punjab in India. It is one of the provinces in Pakistan.
Inflation -: Inflation is when the prices of things like food, clothes, and toys go up, making it harder for people to buy them with the same amount of money.
Artificial price hikes -: Artificial price hikes happen when prices are increased on purpose, not because it costs more to make or get the products.
Shortages -: Shortages mean there aren’t enough goods or products available for people to buy, which can make prices go up.
Maryam Nawaz -: Maryam Nawaz is a political leader in Pakistan. She is the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Department of Price Control and Commodities Management -: This is a new department created to help control prices and manage goods so that people can afford to buy what they need.
Economists -: Economists are people who study how money and goods are made, used, and shared in a country or the world.
Legislation -: Legislation means laws or rules made by the government to help manage things like prices and goods in a country.
