Resurgent inflation

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose by 3.46 per cent year-on-year in May 2025, up from a near decade-low of 0.3 per cent in April. Essential commodities such as wheat, pulses, milk, and vegetables have become unaffordable for a large portion of the population. While the government has announced targeted subsidies and relief measures, these are insufficient to counter the pressure on lower- and middle-income groups. Some economists have warned that without structural reforms in agriculture, energy and taxation, the inflationary trend may persist, widening the gap between income and expenditure. I urge policymakers to implement stringent price controls, support local agricultural production and introduce energy sector reforms to reduce inflation.

Irfan Ali

Ghotki