THIS is with reference to the article ‘Our sluggish disinflation’ (May 8) which asserted that inflation has come down. I do not know about the price level in the rest of Pakistan, but in Sindh the prices are constantly rising. Apart from basic items of daily use, prices of life-saving drugs and expenses of medical test and private treatment are beyond the reach of the common man.

During military regimes and caretaker setups, better price control and relatively better regulatory systems bring down prices of essential items. Whenever a democratic government takes over, the poor is crushed under the financial burden. Why is democracy presented as a horrific form of government in Sindh?

Government spokespersons and their ‘economists’ should stop rubbing salt into the wounds of the poor, claiming that inflation is going down. There is no hope of any action against unscrupulous market forces because the regulators are part of the problem and get due share from the exploitation of the poor.

Gulsher Panhwer
Johi

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2024