THE moment Ramazan begins in our fair land, the prices of fruits, vegetables and other basic commodities show an astounding increase. And we have the gall to call our country an Islamic republic when our acts of omission and commission go against our religion.

More than one-third of Pakistanis live below the poverty line. A similar number barely makes ends meet and struggle to keep their tattered cloak of self-respect around. In many countries even non-Islamic states, with the advent of Ramazan, prices are reduced to facilitate Muslims. We on the other hand raise prices.

The poverty problem can only be resolved if both society and government play their role in tackling it.

Alina Fatima

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2017