By Aiman Hashmi
The rising cost of living has made survival an increasingly difficult task for ordinary families in Karachi. Across the city, millions of people who work hard throughout the day are finding it harder to make ends meet. Their earnings, often barely sufficient to cover basic household expenses, are being swallowed by the rising prices of food, electricity, transport, education and housing. For many, the monthly salary disappears long before the next payday, leaving families struggling to manage even the most essential needs.
Inflation is no longer an abstract economic term discussed in official reports or financial statements. It has become a daily reality in kitchens, neighbourhood markets and homes across Karachi. The prices of flour, rice, cooking oil, pulses, vegetables and other necessities have placed an unbearable burden on household budgets. Electricity bills and house rents have added to the pressure, while school fees, transport costs and medical expenses have become increasingly difficult to manage. Families that once managed their expenses through careful budgeting are now being forced to make painful choices about what they can afford and what must be sacrificed.
For low-income households, the situation is particularly distressing. Parents who once worried about providing their children with a comfortable life are now concerned about ensuring that there is enough food for the next meal. The struggle is no longer about giving up unnecessary purchases or postponing a family outing. It is increasingly about securing two proper meals a day and keeping a roof over their heads. When parents have to calculate the cost of every meal, the promise of economic progress becomes distant from their everyday experience.
The burden is not confined to people without regular employment. Salaried workers, shop assistants, labourers, private-sector employees, drivers and small traders are also facing mounting difficulties. Many receive fixed monthly incomes that do not increase at the same pace as the prices of essential commodities. Even those who have secure employment are discovering that their salaries have lost much of their purchasing power. A household that could once manage reasonably well on a modest income is now struggling to maintain the same standard of living.
The consequences extend beyond household finances. Persistent economic pressure affects family relationships, children’s education and the physical and emotional well-being of individuals. When most of a family’s income is spent on food, rent and utility bills, little remains for healthcare, school expenses, savings or unexpected emergencies. Some parents may be compelled to delay medical treatment, reduce spending on children’s education or borrow money to meet routine expenses. Such compromises can have consequences long after the immediate financial difficulty has passed.
Karachi, as Pakistan’s largest commercial centre, depends on the hard work of millions of ordinary people. They keep its markets operating, drive its transport system, work in factories, serve in offices and sustain its countless small businesses. Yet the people who contribute so much to the city’s economic activity are increasingly finding it difficult to afford a decent life. Their contribution to the economy should be reflected in their ability to meet basic needs without living under constant financial anxiety.
The government must recognise that inflation cannot be addressed through announcements and temporary relief measures alone. There is a need for consistent policies that protect consumers and prevent essential commodities from becoming unaffordable. Hoarding, artificial shortages and profiteering must be addressed through effective market monitoring and strict enforcement. Price-control mechanisms should not exist merely on paper. Authorities must ensure that official prices are followed and that those exploiting consumers face meaningful consequences.
At the same time, practical support must reach the households that need it most. Targeted subsidies on essential food items, affordable public transport and manageable electricity bills can provide some relief to families living on limited incomes. Social protection programmes should be transparent, accessible and based on genuine need. The government must also pay attention to the gap between wages and the cost of living. Regular earners should not find themselves slipping into poverty simply because their incomes cannot keep pace with rising prices.
Economic stability must ultimately be judged by its impact on ordinary citizens. Improvements in financial indicators, investment figures and official growth projections have little meaning for families that cannot afford basic food or pay their electricity bills. National progress should be visible in better living conditions, affordable education, accessible healthcare and secure employment.
(The writer is a postgraduate in Journalism with a keen interest in public affairs, social issues and the evolving role of media. She can be reached at metromorning78@gmail.com)
