No more Briyani in Pakistan; only Dal?
People have been complaining about inflation during every regime in Pakistan. But in the past few months, all sections of people, including the poor and the middle class, have been struggling.
Even those with money usually complain about price hikes. But it's a big battle for ordinary working citizens. They have to fight every day.
Inflation is a tunnel. There is no light at the end of it, says Khalida Khwaja, a resident of Rawalpindi. He belongs to a middle class family. Now-a-days 'house of own' and 'full education of children' are the only comforts for him.
Now, when he thinks of getting his children married, he says, the rising prices shock him.
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"I think twice before going to someone else's wedding in such a situation. Getting married in my home seems very difficult now," he remarked.
Before we know the budget of Khaleda's house, let's look at some statistics to know why inflation is strangling everyone.
What are the prices of vegetables, milk, eggs, food items?
According to Pakistan's Department of Statistics, inflation has increased by about 25 percent in July this year compared to last year.
Pulse prices have increased by 35 to 92 percent.
The price of onion has increased by almost 60 percent and the price of meat by 26 percent.
The price of vegetables has increased by 40 percent and the price of fruits by 39 percent.
The price of milk has increased by 25 percent, while the price of eggs and tea has increased by 23 percent.
What is the price increase of other goods?
This is the case with foodstuffs. Now let's look at other items.
25% increase in the price of bath soap, braising soap powder and matches.
The price of clothes has increased by 18 percent, shoes by 19 percent and plastic goods by 19 percent.
Fuel prices for vehicles have increased by 95 percent compared to last year. This is quite shocking.
Electricity charges have increased by 87 percent.
'Now buying biryani masala seems like a waste of money'
Khalida Khwaja says that managing a budget is very difficult in a normal family today.
He has four children. Currently two people are working. Her husband runs a small business and one of her sons has recently started working in the private sector.
When asked if the income has increased along with the price, he said, "The income is the same as it was three years ago. The needs are the same. But due to the increase in the price, the expenses have gone up. Even if I pay five thousand rupees in the grocery store, I don't even fill two bags. The pocket becomes completely empty," he said.
"Every time before I put an item in the basket, I think if I can live without it. I keep half the stuff back thinking like this. Earlier I used to buy a few other things besides the essentials. But now I don't even buy biryani masala because that too seems like a waste of money." Khalida mentioned.
Now I cook dal-rice instead of biryani'
Khalida asks if she can give up eating and drinking. He questioned whether it is possible to give up oil, ghee, flour and pulses.
"Already we have come to a point where we cannot afford chicken and meat. Earlier, fresh food was cooked all the time. Now we try to keep lunch even at night," he said.
"Earlier I used to cook biryani. Now I cook dal and rice. These are the expenses I can reduce."
Talking about the electricity bill, he said, "Electricity bill is a burden for everyone. We run only one of the two ACs and that too when the sun is very high. Apart from that, the fridge runs. We use the washing machine once a week. But this month the electricity bill came to Rs 30,000."
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