This is apropos a Business Recorder news item "Hafeez for steps to arrest hike in prices of eggs, atta" carried by the newspaper on Tuesday. Minister for Finance and Revenue, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has directed that all possible measures be taken to arrest the increase in prices of eggs, wheat flour, and tomatoes. He has also underscored the need for bringing down the prices of these and other essential items.

My question is: why is the finance minister repeatedly issuing such directives when prices of essential items are continually rising? The PTI government must take some firm actions with a view to bringing price stability and containing inflation. In my view, however, only provincial governments can play any meaningful role in this regard. Hence the need for greater Centre-provinces cooperation.

Salamat Kamal (Lahore)

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