IN Pakistan, the consumer price index is used as a tool to measure the inflation rate.

For this a basket of consumer goods is used. In order to collect the current prices of domestic goods the Federal Bureau of Statistics conducts a monthly survey in a few selected cities.

According to the recently compiled data, the consumer prices in Pakistan rose 5.02 per cent in May 2017 compared to 4.78 per cent during the previous month.

Itis the highestinnation rate since 2014.

The fact-finding report indicates an increasing trend in the prices of consumer goods, particularly on foods items, especially during Ramazan. If so, the current campaign run by the public on social media is certainly genuine to a large extent. A substantial campaign for boycotting domestic goods was held in Egypt in March this year. The campaign was first initiated against the hike in the price of fish in coastal areas but soon spread to the entire country against other goods also.

However, there is bound to be a short-term negative impact on fruit vendors too who are directly linked with the end users. One of the reasons would be:freshfruits are perishable.Besides, the vendors have no other means to earn a livelihood.

There is another party which is equally responsible for the price hike the merchants of the wholesale markets. They are the ones who exploit the end users and producers.

Interestingly, there was no impact on them. There was not a single pile of fruit that was left unrot on the third day of the social boycott.

Ayan Hussain Karachi (2) R AMAZAN bazars are actually set up for public welfare, but unfortunately the public and welfare are two different things.Itis astonishing that the government is trying to pay more attention to the decoration of bazars than providing relief to the people. The administration has been assigned the task to beautify the area with lights, ribbons and glittering table sheets. What has a common man to do with all such ostentations? Basically, is there a need for a Ramzan bazar? First, it seems the government has lost to the mafia in the economic sector.

Innationis boundless.Second,thishas no other purpose exceptforpreparing advertisements for an election campaign.

If you are really serious, then go for bold steps. What can a single Ramazan bazar do in a locality of 0.2 million people? It needs a pragmatic approach to deal with. You have to take steps against fruit, grocery,poultry and many other types of mafias.

A single government price list should be implemented in a city. And whosoever dares challenge it must be dealt with sternly. Give subsidy on all necessary items not just in utility stores everywhere.

Muhammad Aized Gujranwala