KARACHI, Jan 7: Demonstrations were held here on Saturday against the rising inflation and the indifferent attitude of the rulers towards the resultant sufferings of masses. One of the demonstrations, staged outside the Karachi Press Club, was organised by the Pasban. Shafiqullah Ismail, Shamim Naz and Shafi Ahmad were among the leaders who addressed the protesters.
They pointed out that owing to the poor economic policies, unemployment, poverty and the number of people who committed suicide due to such sufferings were registering an upward trend.
They deplored that despite a constant fall in the oil prices in the international market, no reduction in POL prices in Pakistan was being effected to provide relief to the masses.
They observed that although, the country’s budget was announced once in a year, the increase in prices of various commodities would be effected many times in a year. They also criticised the rulers for getting their salaries and perks raised regularly but turning a blind eye to the plight of the poor masses.
At another demonstration, organised by the Gharib Ittehad Party, its chief Ahmad Ali told protesters that prices of essential commodities like milk, curd, flour, edible oil, ghee, etc had gone up by 15-25 per cent over the past few weeks owing to which the poor masses were now finding it difficult to make both ends meet.
The protesters raised slogans against price-hike, unemployment and inflation.
MQM LEGISLATORS: The MNAs belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement have expressed concern over the recent increase in the prices of essential commodities, including milk, bread and LPG, and terming it a conspiracy by people having anti-people approach.
In a statement, they noted that the prices had been increased with the advent of the new year, which had been declared as the election year.
They were of the view that there was no justification for the price-hike and the motive seemed to be moulding public opinion against the government.
They urged the government to take necessary measures in this regard to check the unrest prevailing among people.
