THE middle class is the most vital segment of a society. It is the engine that promotes economic and cultural growth.

In Pakistan, the middle class is shrinking at an alarming rate due to unjust and unwise policies of the government. The government's recent decision to increase fuel prices has further triggered a tsunami of inflation in Pakistan. The poor and the middle class shop at Sunday bazaars in Pakistan.

These bazaars were started to provide relief to the people against inflation.

However, because of stimulated inflation caused by the greed of merchants, millowners, middlemen and inept leadership, buyers are forced to restrict themselves to window-shopping of foodstuff.

A sampling of typical prices of foodstuff at Sunday bazaars illustrates the dilemma the poor and the middle class are facing in Pakistan: sugar sells at Rs115 a kg, onions at Rs70 a kg, tomatoes at Rs60 a kg, garlic (Rs250 a kg), ginger at Rs220 a kg, potatoes at Rs60 a kg, etc.

Similarly fruits such as apples sell at Rs100 a kg, pomegranate at Rs120 a kg and guava at Rs50 a kg).

Other items such as eggs sell at Rs70 a dozen, yogurt Rs80 a kg, bananas Rs50 a dozen, chicken Rs160 a kg, and broken rice at Rs70 a kg.

Usually at the entrance of most Sunday bazaars there are large signs that display the controlled rates for foodstuff, but none of the vendors sell their commodities at controlled prices. There is no effort by authorities to ensure price regulation.

Moreover, vendors at Sunday bazaars try to cheat their customers by charging higher prices and under-weighing the merchandise.

Rising prices of food and fuel have created havoc for the poor and the middle class. With a majority of bread winners earning between Rs5,000 and Rs15,000 a month, the increasing inflation has pushed them to extreme hardship.

They end up spending all of their household income on buying foodstuff and utilities.

The economic disparity in society is increasing: the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer.

Corruption is rampant, and the apathy of leaders in resolving the people's concerns is reaching its nadir.

Unless policymakers pay attention to stabilising the prices and expanding the middle class by taking measures to curb inflation and to promote growth in energy and manufacturing sectors, Pakistan's economic growth rate will remain the lowest in the South Asian countries.

DR. A. KHAN

Chicago, USA