Greedy market forces and government inaction cause prices of essential goods – like staples, fruits, vegetables, and cooking oil – to almost double overnight during Ramazan. Mafia-like cartels exploit the high demand without fear of punishment. Provincial authorities, federal agencies and traders stay silent or cooperate, failing to provide subsidies, price controls or aid to the poor majority.
It seems these groups wait for Ramazan to make extra profits. Instead, they should give more benefits to the poor, as people do in other nations during this holy month. This would make us a proud and responsible nation. Ramazan guides us in religious observance through small acts of kindness, like giving compliments, smiling, sharing water and food with non-fasters or helping others in need.
Habibullah Soomro
Tharparkar
