PESHAWAR: Rising inflation has severely affected household budgets, food, education, healthcare and transportation expenses in Peshawar, according to a survey covering 462 households in the city.
Presenting the survey report at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) Chairman Dr Muhammad Iqbal Khalil said inflation had become a major challenge across Pakistan, with Peshawar also witnessing a significant increase in the cost of living.
According to the survey, inflation in Peshawar has increased by between 35% and 40%. The findings were based on responses from 462 households, along with focus group discussions and consultations with stakeholders.
Dr Iqbal Khalil said 48.7% of households in low-income areas described themselves as severely affected by inflation, while 67.3% reported that although their incomes had increased, their expenses had risen even more.
The survey found that 93% of households experienced higher electricity, gas and fuel expenses, while 86.4% reported an increase in food costs. Many families said they were being forced to rely on cheaper and lower-cost products to manage their household budgets.
Healthcare costs have also placed a significant burden on families. According to the report, 79.4% of households said they could not afford medical expenses. Meanwhile, 59.1% reported difficulties paying school fees on time, while 19.2% said they had shifted their children to schools with lower fees.
The rise in petroleum prices has also affected household budgets and mobility. Some 84.6% of households reported an increase in transportation costs.
The survey further found that 79.8% of households had reduced travel to markets, while 51.6% had cut back on travel for educational purposes. Similarly, 49.2% reported reducing travel related to employment, while 37.7% had cut back on trips for medical needs.
Dr Iqbal Khalil said petroleum prices had increased by 50% since February 2026, adding further pressure on household finances.
The survey showed the growing reliance on borrowing, with 89% of households saying they were managing their expenses through loans or debt. At the same time, 95.1% said repaying their debt had become difficult.
