PRIME Minister Imran Khan in many of his recent public addresses had assured the nation that unlike 2019 — which was a difficult year for people — 2020 would prove to be the year of relief for the people. However, contrary to the prime minister’s assertion, the print and broadcast media report of an increase in the price of petrol, food and other daily consumer goods.

The PTI government’s contrasting claims are confusing the people. On the one hand the PTI leaders claim ad nauseum that all economic indicators are moving in the right direction, while on the other side people are becoming poorer with every passing day.

Every month since this government came to power, we witness price increases be it electricity, gas or daily consumer goods. Life for people living on meagre incomes was already difficult. If this trend continues, the middle class will soon join the growing lines eating at charity kitchens. It is time the government ensured reforms in the economy start to benfit the public.

Syed Imtiaz Ali Shah
Charsadda

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2020