The sky rocketing prices of basic food items are depriving the people from basic food and nutritional needs in the Holy month of Ramadan. The increasing price ratio is doubled even more than double on vegetables, fruits and citrus.
Pakistan is agricultural country and summer season is ongoing. The country has plenty of vegetables and fruits than why the prices are so high. According to media reports the food sellers are not following the Government given price rates.
They are selling on their desired prices. So the issue is at implementational level. The unfortunate thing is in the Holy month of Ramadan even the non muslim countries relax the prices of food items in respect of the muslims community residing there and observing fast.
Are we failed as a Nation and as a human? The Holy Months have lots of blessing in it and the huge stress is made on humanity and brotherhood caring regarding food and basic needs. The high ratio of population living under poverty line and large number of families how they can afford to get basic food needs for all the members.
The duration of fast is about 15 hours in Pakistan. People observing fast needs proper diet and nutrients with energy. The most commonly consumed drink lemon water is too expensive as lemon price is 600 rupees per kg which was double less before ramadan.
The question is why we are not honest with ourselves our people. The elite class can afford all but what about the rest poor class. We are facing mass poverty and there is no middle class left. The rich and the poor.
Due to pandemic its hard for poor people to afford even wheat floor if they were deprived from vegetables and fruits as well it would be disastrous. People are mentally devastated after sky rocketing prices. There are number of people who are becoming under poverty line after this price hike in terms of basic food availability and consumption.
The need of the hour is strict crackdown against such inflation mafia. Food prices issued by the government must be implemented with legal punishments in case of non compliance. It should be ensured that at least people can afford basic food stuff to spend the Holy month with good health and peace of mind.
BY : FAROOQ RASHID BUTT
You may like this also