The Time magazine dated 28-02-2011 has printed a world map showing percentage of expenses incurred on food and grocery items against the overall income of people. It is startling that 46 percent of total income of a Pakistani is spent on food items that is the highest in the world while India spent 35 percent with USA spending seven percent, UK nine percent and Australia 11 percent. It is thus apparent that comparatively lesser amount is left for Pakistani citizens for health, education, clothing, housing and utility bills of water, gas and electricity.
This is the apparent reason for the rising tide of lawlessness among the population that finds it hard, if not impossible, to make both ends meet in their life. The high cost of power, gas and petrol all contribute to high cost of food and grocery items that is breaking the back of the people. Cheap hydel power is not available due to a lack of consensus on a mega dams. Rental power plants are no substitute for hydel power. The politicians ought to worry about this situation.
MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI
Lahore
