Pakistan continues to grapple with inflation, price rise and power cuts

Apart from battling inflation and price rises, people across the nation are also trying to deal with power cuts and gas crisis.

Unable to bear with excessive power cuts, residents of Landi Kotal area in Pakistan blocked a section of the busy Torkham Highway on Monday.

They said they are facing load shedding for more than 20 hours even at this time when Pakistan is scorched by the summer heat.

The protesters accused the Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company of discriminating against them over power supply.

Staff members of grid stations in Landi Kotal, Jamrud, and Bara areas confirmed to Dawn News  the drastic reduction of power supply and said electricity was provided to the region for just two hours daily on the instructions of high-ups over the consistent refusal of residents to install power meters in their houses.

It is not the power shortage which is only bothering locals. The rising inflation is adding to their misery.

The cash-strapped country's finance ministry on Tuesday said inflation is expected to hover between 18.5% and 19.5% in April and ease in May to 17.5%-18.5%.

The rising inflation rate is making it harder for people to earn enough to afford essential items which include wheat.

A kilo of flour now stands at 800 Pakistani rupees (PKR), compared to the previous price of 230 PKR, media reports said.

Karachi shop owner Abdul Hameed recently expressed concern over the situation and criticised the government over ignoring them.

Hameed told Hindustan Times that the price of a single ‘Roti’ is now exceeding PKR 25, making it unaffordable for many families.

Primary school teacher Abdul Jabbar voiced a similar concern and told the newspaper that basic necessities are now beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

He questioned the government's claims of arranging for affordable gas (LPG), citing the high costs faced by consumers.

With hopes of witnessing a change, people voted a new government to power in February but data and financial figures show their struggles are still continuing with PM Shehbaz Sharif and his minister still unable to usher in a better future.