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The increase in prices of essential items before Ramazan is not unusual or surprising, because it happens every year. This was the statement by a Provincial minister, thank God, there is somebody on earth, who realises the fact. Is it a Ramazan package? We live in an Islamic state, where generally prices should come down in Ramazan.
But the most interesting thing, which appeared, is that the Minister is unaware of the whole year's trend in prices. For the last several years, the nation, along with other problems, is facing a sharp increase in prices of essential items.
Wheat prices are going up, despite bumper production this year, sugar rates are following suit, but nobody knows the reason. Rice prices already went up and are still on the rise, despite the fact that there is no increase in demand by foreign countries. On the export front, demand is falling and purchasing power is decreasing among the masses, day by day. As a result, locally, prices should come down, instead of going up.
People started to dance on the roadsides, not because of Independence Day celebrations, but knowing the prices of the fruits and vegetable. How will the concerned authorities control the influx of beggars as all provinces have already a number of people, without homes and jobs and incidents of theft are on the rise.
As a whole, the situation is very poor, despite the fact that the country is receiving grants and loans to root out poverty, hunger and bring a positive change among the masses. To bring down the crime rate, the government must announce a relief package for Ramazan and take measures to cut prices after Ramazan, as well. No doubt the CDGK was arranging Ramazan Bazaar on a daily basis, despite its limited sources.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2009

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