Panama Leaks might be a source of a great nuisance and anxiety for the incumbent government, but it appears as a blessing in disguise for the inflation-ridden and poverty-stricken masses of the country.
According to a survey conducted by Pakistan Today, residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were of the view that the government was not bothered about the miseries and woes of the rank and files; however after the Panama Leaks revelation, the government might provide them some relief by slashing the prices of chicken items.
The government was all-set to increase prices of petroleum products for the month of May; however due to Panama Leaks, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to reject the summary of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGDCL), fearing the hike could further fan the fire.
Similarly, the Utility Stores Corporation had to withdraw the increase in prices of pulses after the PM directed it not to increase the prices of essential goods without his prior approval.
Abdul Rehman, working in private sector, said that government often burdened the masses by increasing prices of essential goods to generate revenue rather than cutting their own expenditures.
However, he said that now the government is under great pressure due to opposition parties pressing the premier to write to the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) to constitute an independent judicial commission to probe the Panama Leaks.
Gul Wali Khan, resident of G-10, said that they have nothing to do with Panama Leaks, but the question is that government has little concern about the problems the masses are facing, however after the Panama issue, the government might take some steps to help ease the life of common citizens.
He said that the PM should take notice of the mounting prices of sugar and chickens.
Muhammad Younis, a teacher in private school, said that prices of essential goods remained intact during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s 126-day sit-in, however as the sit-in ended the government multiplied the prices of daily items.
Shahid Ali Abbasi, a dweller of Pindora Rawalpindi, said that he is not in favor of destabilization of the government, but the pressure must be there so that the ones in power are aware of the problems of common citizens.
