Peshawar:
After the arrival of the Sacred Month of Ramazan, the locals of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are seen dealing with the devastating effects of the very high inflation, which has significantly impacted its ability to make enders daily.
Although the Government claims to address the problem, the situation remains serious, and the essential products in the market become increasingly uninquerable. One of the key reasons behind this increase in unbridled prices is the failure of the Price Review Committee to take action, which leads to shooting prices for naked needs.
Currently, in Peshawar, meat prices vary from RS1,200 to RS1,400 per kilogram, while the chicken is sold to a historical maximum of RS506 per kilogram. Similarly, milk prices have also been affected by food inflation, with prices per liter ranging from RS230 to RS240, marking a significant increase in prices observed during the previous years.
Shakil Khan, a Peshawar store, shared his two cents on the severe inflation spell during Ramazan, which in his opinion, had become an annual trend in recent years.
“The hoarders and deposits take advantage of this Sacred month, raising billions at the expense of the public.
In addition, district administration officials are concerned about social media platforms such as Tiktok or make some stores to some stores, showing these actions on Facebook without addressing the central problem, “Khan lamented.
“In the past, the administration used to organize ‘Sasta Bazaars’ (cheap markets) during Ramazan, where people could buy essential items at reasonable prices, but this year there is no such initiative. Prices are triggered and there is no relief in sight,” he added.
Nasim Bibi, a mother of four children, revealed that she was a housewife while her husband was a driver of Rickshaw. Nasim’s home was barely arriving at the end of the month due to artificial inflation, so merchants in their area did not adhere to official price lists and each supplier was charging what he considered convenient.
“The increase in the costs of the essential articles has made it almost impossible to administer the home and take care of my children. There is no sense of responsibility. Although the government continues to make statements about relief, we have not yet seen any tangible benefit. The provincial government and the administration of the district must review its performance and ensure that the public receives some real relief,” he said.
For many homes such as Nasim, household expenses has become increasingly difficult thanks to deposits that loot the locals during the blessed season.
Khalid Farooq, a government employee, also expressed his concerns about the recent wave of inflation.
“Private and government workers are suffering, since a large part of their salaries is consumed by public services invoices or school rates for their children. The district administration must do more to improve their performance and relieve the financial burden on the public,” Farooq emphasized.
On the other hand, the attached commissioner of Peshawar, Sarmad Salem, defended the efforts of the district administration, stating that they have been regularly visiting markets and taking measures against those who are violating the official price lists.
“Hundreds of merchants have already been fined for overload. We urge the public to cooperate with the administration and inform any incident of
increases or price violations. We will take the appropriate measures, “he said.
