Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir has called on the government to take immediate and effective measures to control inflation, warning that rising prices are placing increasing pressure on ordinary citizens.
In a statement, Senator Abdul Qadir said inflation across the country was rising at a rate of 9.66 percent and that the public was bearing the brunt of the continuing increase in the prices of essential goods.
He said the rising cost of basic necessities was creating serious difficulties for households, particularly for people with limited incomes. According to the senator, an increase in the prices of 23 essential commodities was adding to the financial pressure faced by the public.
Abdul Qadir said profiteers and what he described as mafias were artificially increasing the prices of essential commodities. He argued that such practices were making it increasingly difficult for ordinary people to manage their household expenses.
The senator urged the government to take immediate steps to contain inflation and provide relief to consumers. He stressed that effective action was needed to prevent artificial price increases and ensure that essential commodities remained available at reasonable prices.
He also called for strict and indiscriminate action against profiteers and groups involved in manipulating the prices of basic commodities. According to him, enforcement measures should be applied without discrimination so that no individual or group could exploit consumers.
The remarks come amid continued public concern over food and other essential commodity prices. Rising inflation can have a particularly significant impact on lower- and middle-income households because a larger proportion of their earnings is typically spent on necessities.
Abdul Qadir’s statement also highlights the recurring issue of price manipulation in local markets. While changes in production costs, transportation expenses and supply conditions can contribute to higher prices, the senator argued that profiteering and artificial shortages were also contributing to the problem.
He called on the government and relevant administrative authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and take action against those found responsible for unjustified price increases.
The senator emphasized that controlling inflation should remain a priority for policymakers because sustained increases in the cost of basic necessities directly affect household purchasing power and the overall economic well-being of citizens.
He said the government should not rely only on temporary measures but should adopt effective mechanisms to monitor markets, prevent hoarding and ensure that essential goods reach consumers at fair prices.
Abdul Qadir also stressed the importance of accountability. He argued that authorities must ensure that complaints regarding overpricing, hoarding and profiteering are investigated and that violators face appropriate action.
The call comes as the government continues to face pressure over the cost of living. Although inflation can be influenced by broader economic factors, including energy costs, exchange rates, supply conditions and fiscal policies, effective market regulation can help prevent unnecessary price increases.
The senator urged the authorities to act promptly rather than allowing the situation to worsen further. He said immediate intervention was necessary to protect consumers and reduce the financial burden created by rising prices.
According to Abdul Qadir, stronger action against profiteers and market mafias, combined with effective monitoring of essential commodity prices, could help provide relief to the public.
He reiterated that the government should make controlling inflation a priority and take practical steps to ensure that citizens are not forced to bear the consequences of unjustified price increases.
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