On Pins and Needles for Bread
Pakistan has been one of the countries worst affected by COVID-19, with the economic hindrance caused by the pandemic, intensifying an already existing crisis. While The World Bank has estimated Pakistan’s poverty rate to ease from 4.8pc to 4.4pc in FY 2021-22 and 4pc in the next FY (2022-23). Because in such circumstances gov’t always praises to turn over a new leaf by improving states economy. While the government has implemented some mitigation measures, they are somehow inadequate to counter the impact of the pandemic.
Ehsaas Rashan Program, Ehsaas Langarkhana, Ehsaas Panahgah, Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program, Naya Pakistan National Health Card (NPNHC), Interest-Free Loan Program we much appreciate these steps, especially in those days in which one common man unable to fulfill his needs for basic necessities. Data released by PBS showed that there was a sharp increase in the prices of basic food items, it gives valuable relief to the public until the global commodity, petroleum, and power supplies prices head back to normalcy, which according to the government took almost 5-6 months.
If we consider it farsightedly more financial support means a stronger base of inflation. We can’t deny the reality that every time the government announced to give relief to the public in harsh days, in the end it recovered them by increasing taxes and taking more loans which ultimately results to increase inflation. The question arose whether the government planned these policies just for short-term impact or long-term fight with future calamity? Due to political differences can these policies be able to sustain after the present government era as many families started being over-reliant on their daily bread over them? These programs are for the most vulnerable families, who live on the verge of poverty. Then what about those who are middle-classed and live hand to mouth? This inflation impacted their lives too as there is no increment to their income.
Urooj Waseem
Lahore
