PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party (ANP) Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain has stated that both the provincial and central governments have completely failed to provide relief to the people.
The rising prices of electricity, gas, and petrol have already placed a significant burden on the poor, and now the steep increase in the prices of essential daily items is pushing them into even greater hardship. Mian Iftikhar Hussain expressed his deep concern over the escalating costs of wheat, flour, vegetables, sugar, and other necessities in the province, attributing this crisis to government incompetence and mismanagement, which have left the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in severe economic distress.
He pointed out that while there is unrest, the shortage of wheat and flour has made life unbearable for the common man. Prices for everything, from vegetables and fruits to sugar and pulses, are soaring. Mian Iftikhar Hussain explained that the disruption in the supply of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the ongoing rise in flour prices are clear indications that the government lacks a coherent economic policy or strategy. The shortage of wheat supplied to flour mills and the hoarding in the open market are forcing people to pay inflated prices for flour.
He stated that administrative incompetence, unrest, corruption, and malpractice are increasing across the province, yet the rulers’ focus seems to be solely on gatherings and processions. As a result, ordinary citizens are struggling to afford vegetables, fruits, sugar, and pulses, as prices continue to rise daily. Basic commodities such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and pulses have become unaffordable for many.
The provincial president concluded by urging the government to immediately develop a comprehensive strategy to combat inflation, increase the wheat quota, ensure a steady supply to flour mills, and take strict action against hoarders. Additionally, practical measures should be implemented to control the prices of vegetables and other food items.
*Read also: Mian Iftikhar defends Aimal Wali’s speech, rejects Talal Chaudhry’s criticism.*
Read also: Mian Iftikhar defends Aimal Wali’s speech, rejects Talal Chaudhry’s criticism
