Survival: unaffordable

The cost of staple items such as wheat, sugar, and cooking oil has more than doubled in the past two years, while electricity and fuel prices have seen frequent and drastic hikes. The consequences of inflation have been devastating for middle- and lower-income families. With an average salary increase of only 10-15 per cent, the rapid rise in the cost of living has significantly reduced disposable income. A household that could once comfortably sustain itself on Rs50,000 per month now struggles to meet basic expenses, as rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs consume nearly all of their earnings. The minimum wage in most provinces is Rs32,000, yet even those earning double this amount find it difficult to maintain a decent standard of living. To prevent further economic distress, the government must implement strict price controls, crack down on hoarding, and introduce policies that promote local production to reduce import dependency.

Abdul Maarij

Karachi