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The prime minister has announced another relief package for inflation hit masses. Dubbed as the ‘biggest welfare package in Pakistan’s history’, it aims to provide subsidized items to twenty million vulnerable families. Under the Rs120 billion subsidy programme, eligible families will be able to purchase ghee, wheat flour and pulses at 30 percent lower prices for the next six months.
Just moments after the address to the nation, the Utility Stores Corporation increased the price of ghee and cooking oil. Opposition leaders and critics heaped scorn that the prime ministers’ subsidies are ‘too little, too late’ and the given discounts last for only six months. It also targets two million families while the entire nation is facing the adverse effects of rising inflation, poverty, and unemployment.
The premier’s address warned of the economic hardships ahead rather than providing any solace. He said the government will further increase the price of petrol already at historic high and people should brace themselves for a gas crisis in the upcoming winters. Rather than mitigating the sufferings of the people, it seems the public has been given forewarning of the tough times ahead.
The government should take responsibility for the economic crisis, inflation, rising public debt, and rupee devaluation. We have secured a lifeline by getting support from Saudi Arabia, China and UAE, but relying on foreign assistance is not the solution. The prime minister’s claim that prices will be slashed in half if two families return the looted amount is a preposterous political statement.
The intensity of the economic crisis can be gauged from the fact that in a speech where the prime minister announced a ‘relief package’, we were warned about further increasing petrol prices and looming gas shortages. It should also be mentioned that such relief packages which target a selected group of people are hardly ineffective and stringent economic policies are required.
The government has been facing severe criticism after the prime minister approved a massive Rs10 hike in petrol prices last month. Inflation has increased due to a sharp rise in prices of essential food items. Planning Minister Asad Umar ruled out an immediate relief in commodity prices for at least five months. In such circumstances, the government should provide real relief for the masses rather than such ‘relief packages’.
