LAHORE, June 4: The Working Women’s Organisation Trust has proposed the freezing of prices of essential commodities in the budget for controlling inflation and providing relief to people.

The proposal was given at a discussion by the trust on the prevailing economic condition. Former member of the Punjab Assembly Tahira Habib said the government’s lack of control on prices of essential commodities and frequent revision of POL prices had caused inflation. The freezing of prices would not only control inflation but also provide relief to people with limited income.

Dr Hina Nadeem and Zille Huma demanded the import of luxury goods either be banned or discouraged by imposing heavy customs duty. General Sales Tax rates should be reduced for reduction in prices. Investment in production of non-essential goods should be discouraged.

Sidra Saeed and Razia Mubarik stressed the need to control the increasing cost of health, education and transport facilities which had gone out of reach of the common run of the people. Budget for health and education and public transport facilities should be increased.

Rizwana Anwar said rulers should discard the VIP culture which had resulted in unnecessary increase in government’s expenditure.