Rawalpindi:The continued rise in prices of essential commodities, prolonged electricity outages, gas shortages, inadequate water supply and growing law-and-order concerns have increased public frustration, with Pindiites questioning the effectiveness of government departments responsible for addressing their problems.
Citizens and traders complained that despite repeated media reports highlighting inflation and public grievances, little visible action has been taken by the relevant authorities. They alleged that the city district government and senior administrative officials have failed to take effective notice of the worsening situation.
The city has around 40 to 42 Price Control Magistrates to monitor commodity prices, while the Punjab Government has also established the PERA Force. However, citizens question whether these mechanisms are effectively checking profiteering, hoarding and overcharging.
Market observations indicate a sharp increase in vegetable prices. Onions have reportedly risen from around Rs100 to Rs180 per kilogram within a short period, while tomatoes have remained between Rs350 and Rs400 per kilogram for the past month. Prices of other vegetables, meat, chicken and essential commodities have also increased significantly.
Residents allege that profiteers and hoarders are operating without sufficient fear of enforcement and demand immediate action against those involved in illegal practices.Public concerns extend beyond food prices. Prolonged power outages during the summer heat, gas shortages and inadequate water supply have added to the difficulties faced by households and businesses. Law-and-order issues, including incidents of mobile-phone and purse snatching, have also heightened public anxiety. Citizens have further complained about alleged corruption and delays in government offices, saying people should not be required to pay bribes to obtain basic services.
Various groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, goods transporters and citizens, have staged protests against inflation and rising utility costs, but protesters claim their concerns remain largely unaddressed. NEPRA's recent increase of 75 paisas per unit has further fuelled fears of higher electricity bills.
Citizens have urged the prime minister, Punjab chief minister and senior officials to take immediate measures to control prices, improve utilities, strengthen law enforcement and ensure accountability, warning that continued official inaction could further deepen public frustration.
