Over 2 crore Pakistanis fall below poverty line in last 16 months: report
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According to figures released by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2023, more than 20 million people have fallen below the poverty line in the past 16 months. In the government of Imran Khan, electricity that used to cost 16 rupees per unit has now risen to 50 rupees. Additionally, sugar, which was previously available at 86 rupees per kilogram, has surged to 200 rupees, and a bag of flour that was priced at 1200 rupees now costs 3000 rupees.
Furthermore, the price of petrol has skyrocketed from 150 rupees per liter to a staggering 305 rupees during this period, while diesel has also become more expensive at 167 rupees per liter.
According to the PTI spokesperson, the cost of electricity per unit was 16 rupees in the past, but it has now reached 50 rupees, leading to nationwide protests against the oppressive taxes imposed by the government of Imran Khan. The spokesperson also mentioned that sugar, which used to be available at 86 rupees per kilogram, has surpassed 200 rupees, and a 20-kilogram bag of flour, previously priced at 1200 rupees, now costs 3000 rupees.
The PTI spokesperson emphasized that political instability and uncertain economic conditions would further exacerbate the situation.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan cannot tolerate any form of unconstitutional and non-democratic attempts, and the government must hold elections within 90 days as mandated by the constitution to restore stability. The situation in Pakistan appears to be marked by rising inflation, economic challenges, and political unrest, making it a critical time for the country's leadership to address these pressing issues
