(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
ISLAMABAD – Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Hafeez Shaikh on Friday said that the ongoing increase in inflation has been designed to help the masses fast during the month of Ramzan.
Addressing a press conference, the advisor on finance acknowledged that the high temperatures and long fasting hours have made it difficult for many to fast, prompting the government to interfere.
“The government is trying to facilitate the people by helping them fulfill their religious obligation and practice the fasting ritual in the month of Ramzan,” he said.
“We figured out if people can’t afford food, they won’t have enough of it to eat. And if they aren’t able to eat, they would feel they might as well fast,” he added.
The rate of inflation, which has reached 9.4%, is at a seven year high in the country. The Pakistani rupee is at its lowest, having reached 150 against the US dollar. And Shaikh maintains that the entirety of the credit for that should fall on the current government.
“It is this government that has made the distinction between the haves and have-nots more prominent than ever. And as you know the best way to eradicate poverty is to eradicate the, you know…” Shaikh maintained.
