Rawalpindi (City Reporter)

Sheikh Abdul Waheed, President of the Liaquat Road Traders Association, Rawalpindi, expressed deep concern and anger over the rising inflation in the country, stating that inflation has made life extremely difficult for the people of Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. He said that the continuous increase in the prices of food items, electricity, gas, petrol, and household necessities has economically crippled the common citizen, while government claims of providing relief appear to be limited to statements alone.

In his statement, he said that according to official figures, the inflation rate has reached between 7.5 and 8.5 percent in recent months. However, the ground reality is that the public is experiencing inflation at a much higher level. Prices of daily-use commodities continue to rise in markets, salaries remain stagnant, and the middle and lower-income classes are struggling to secure even basic necessities.

Sheikh Abdul Waheed stated that while the tense situation in the Middle East, fluctuations in global energy and petroleum prices, and increased production costs have undoubtedly contributed to inflationary pressures, the government’s poor economic planning and lack of effective oversight have further intensified public hardships. He said that with each passing day, a new burden of inflation is being placed on the shoulders of the people.

Describing the government’s claims of economic stability as inconsistent with ground realities, he questioned that if conditions are genuinely improving, then why is the purchasing power of the public continuously declining? Why are salaried individuals, laborers, pensioners, and small business owners facing severe financial pressure? He emphasized that the people need practical relief rather than statistical claims.

Sheikh Abdul Waheed demanded that the federal and Punjab governments take immediate notice of the situation. He said that for over seventy years, the people and business community have continued to hear promises of trader-friendly and public-friendly budgets. He criticized the government for taking additional loans to repay installments owed to the IMF and for borrowing heavily from local banks, arguing that such policies are pushing the nation deeper into debt and dependency.

He further stated that inflation has become uncontrollable and urged the government to take urgent and emergency measures to curb soaring prices, reduce the cost of essential commodities, substantially increase salaries and pensions, and provide facilities and support to the business community. Otherwise, he warned, public frustration and unrest could intensify further.

He also called upon the government to reduce its own expenditures, stating that the growing number of ministers, government departments, and administrative expenses ultimately place an additional burden on the public. Referring to the post-18th Amendment administrative structure, he argued that ministers overseeing devolved departments continue to impose unnecessary costs on taxpayers.

Concluding his statement, Sheikh Abdul Waheed urged the government to act responsibly, reassess its priorities, and refrain from imposing further hardships on the people.