Urooj Waseem
Pakistan has been one of the countries worst affected by COVID-19, with the economic hindrance caused by the pandemic, intensify an already existing crisis. While The World Bank has estimated the Pakistan’s poverty rate to ease from 4.8pc to 4.4pc in FY 2021-22 and 4pc in the next FY (2022-23). Because in such circumstances gov’t always praises to turn over a new leaf by improving states economy. While the government has implemented some mitigation measures, they are somehow inadequate to counter the impact of the pandemic.Ehsaas Rashan Program, Ehsaas Langarkhana, Ehsaas Panahgah, Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program, Naya Pakistan National Health Card (NPNHC), Interest Free Loan Program we much appreciate these steps especially in those days in which one common man unable to fulfill his needs for basic necessities. Data released by PBS showed that there was a sharp increase in the prices of basic food items, it gives valuable relief to public, until the global commodity, petroleum and power supplies prices head back to normalcy, which according to government took almost 5-6 months. If we consider it farsightedly more financial support means stronger the base of inflation. We can’t deny this reality that every time government announced to give relief to public in harsh days, at the end it recovered them by increased taxes and taking more loans which ultimately results to increase inflation. The question arose whether government planned these policies just for short term impact or long term fight with future calamity? Due to political differences can these policies able to sustain after present government era as many families started over-reliant their daily bread over them? These programs are for most vulnerable families, who live on the verge of poverty. Than what about those who are middle classed and live hand to mouth? This inflation impacted their lives too as there is no increment to their income.
