As the holy month of Ramzan begins, residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are struggling with soaring prices of essential goods, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to afford daily necessities, TNN Stories reported.
Despite government efforts to regulate prices before Ramzan, the administration has failed to implement these measures effectively, leading to growing public frustration. In Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoJK, the cost of fruits, vegetables, and meat has risen sharply, worsening the financial burden on residents.
Social worker M Altaaf Butt voiced concern over the worsening situation, emphasizing that economic hardships persist despite the arrival of 2025. “The prices of mutton and other groceries have skyrocketed, and the situation is getting worse. Shopkeepers claim they have to purchase commodities at inflated prices from Rawalpindi and Mansehra,” Butt stated.
The increasing cost of living is particularly affecting people during Ramzan, a time when families rely on these essential goods for iftar and suhoor meals. Many are finding it difficult to afford basic items, further deepening their struggles.
Authorities have been accused of neglecting the crisis, with critics alleging that officials are indifferent to public suffering. As the month progresses, there is rising demand for accountability from market regulators and government officials to control prices and ensure accessibility to basic goods.
A similar situation is unfolding in Karachi, where residents are facing steep price hikes on daily essentials. The cost of dry fruits, spices, and crockery has surged dramatically, making them unaffordable for many. Local shopkeepers are being criticized for allegedly exploiting the situation by increasing prices excessively, TNN Stories reported.
The sharp rise in prices has caused widespread frustration, with citizens wondering whether authorities will take action to support struggling communities during this crucial time.