Rising fuel, gas, and electricity prices have shrunk businesses by nearly 30%, while stronger government measures are needed to curb inflation, traders say

Islamabad (Special Correspondent): President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran and the Traders Action Committee Islamabad, Ajmal Baloch, Secretary and Chairman of the Traders and Market Development Committee of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Khalid Chaudhry, and General Secretary of the Traders Welfare Association, Aabpara Market, Akhtar Abbasi, have expressed serious concern over the country’s rising inflation, alleging that government policies have fueled an unprecedented increase in the cost of living.

The traders’ representatives stated that soaring prices have placed immense financial pressure on the public, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to afford essential goods. They further claimed that, in addition to inflation, shopkeepers are being subjected to heavy fines under the pretext of inspection drives, further increasing the burden on the business community.

According to the leaders, food items have become unaffordable for low-income households, and even purchasing fruit has become beyond the reach of many families. They also questioned the emerging wheat shortage despite the government’s earlier claims of maintaining sufficient wheat reserves, asking where the available wheat stocks had gone.

The traders maintained that continuous increases in the prices of petroleum products, natural gas, and electricity have significantly reduced consumers’ purchasing power, resulting in an estimated 30 percent decline in business activity. They said many businesses are now struggling to meet even their basic operating expenses.

They argued that the government’s measures to control inflation have been inadequate, while enforcement actions by magistrates have intensified. The representatives alleged that traders are often fined without being issued proper receipts and called for greater transparency in enforcement procedures.

The traders appealed to Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Suhail Ashraf, to direct the district administration to immediately stop imposing unnecessary fines on shopkeepers and ensure that any penalties are issued in accordance with the law and accompanied by official receipts.

The business leaders urged the government to adopt more effective economic measures to control inflation, restore public purchasing power, and provide relief to both consumers and the business community.