Ramazan is being overshadowed by rising inflation with every passing day. In big cities like Karachi and Lahore, food items that are traditionally associated with Iftar and Sehri have become unaffordable for many families as inflation continues rising. Ramazan is a month meant to teach restraint, empathy and to encourage charity. Unfair price hikes during this sacred month go against these teachings and contradict the essence of this holy month. Committees appointed to monitor the markets do not work for prevention and are rather reactive in their approach, taking action only once prices have already risen.
In this holy month, the authorities must ensure transparency in markets and should enforce strict price controls. It is also the duty of citizens to reflect on their consuming habits and to not turn Ramazan into a month of excess rather than devotion. This is a month of holy blessings and sharing and it should definitely not become another cause of economic anxiety for the people.
Syeda Arfa Ali
Karachi
