THE only way to curb inflation and keep the prices of essential commodities stable is by reducing non-developmental expenses, such as the funds spent on travel and daily allowances of government officials.

Now that we have gained a lot of experience in holding virtual meetings, the movement of officers for attending meetings should be minimised. Senior officers travel almost every week to attend routine meetings and claim exorbitant amounts of allowances.

Moreover, they claim amounts for soft furnishing of their residences on every posting and use official transport for personal use. It is common to see senior officers’ children and families going to markets, schools and social functions escorted by police vehicles and guards. Even in the armed forces a lot of money is spent on non-operational activities, avoidable meetings and such other things.

The government should cut down these expenses and spend the amount thus esaved on reducing the prices of essential commodities.

Khayyam Durrani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2021