The ever-increasing population coupled with poor governance has strengthened mafias and provided them with a breeding ground to exploit the majority. The high and mighty who had been evading taxes and multiplying their wealth at the expense of have-not’s taxes are minting money. The transport mafia has continuously raised fares weekly on the pretext of rising oil prices or longer routes due to inundation. They have refused to cut fares even after the drop in oil prices.
Similarly, retailers have constantly raised the prices of essential items arbitrarily. The floods provided them with another excuse to create shortages and almost double the prices of medicines and food items. Even though now most routes have been cleared and supply chains have been restored, the retailers and traders have refused to reduce prices.
The provincial government has failed to regulate the practices of traders and transporters offering them further leeway to continue exploiting the public. Both the government and opposition continue shifting the blame on one another for the worsening economic situation. Neither of them will ever assume responsibility and work on addressing the public’s problems. The rising population will further multiply the problems. This along with emerging climate disasters will ultimately take the country to the brink of a catastrophe. The ruling elite and the mafias should realise that they will also suffer if the country descends into a serious crisis. Therefore, they must change their practices and work for the betterment of the country.
GULSHER PANHWER
JOHI
