Inflation Surges, Unemployment Rises in Quetta as Cost of Living Becomes Increasingly Difficult

QUETTA (Daily Qudrat): The rising cost of living and increasing unemployment have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens in Quetta, with significant increases reported in the prices of flour, vegetables, pulses, cooking oil and other essential food items.

According to residents and shopkeepers, flour prices have increased by around 25 percent in recent months, while vegetable prices have risen by approximately 30 percent. Prices of several other essential commodities have also increased by nearly 20 percent.

Shopkeepers in various markets said rising petrol and transportation costs were among the factors pushing commodity prices beyond the purchasing power of ordinary consumers.

Employment opportunities for young people in Quetta are also becoming increasingly limited. Even educated youth are reportedly struggling to find jobs, while several small businesses have closed because of inflation and high electricity bills.

Members of the labour community said daily wage opportunities had declined significantly while household expenses had increased several times.

A local resident, Abdul Rahman, said it had become extremely difficult to manage household expenses.

“Meeting the costs of my children’s education, rent and food has become very difficult,” he said.

A female labourer, Zareena Bibi, said that previously she could manage her household through daily wages, but now even work was difficult to find while the prices of food items had soared.

Economic Experts’ View

Economic experts said the lack of industries and limited investment in Balochistan were among the fundamental causes of rising inflation and unemployment.

They warned that the situation could deteriorate further if immediate measures were not taken to provide facilities and incentives to industries and small businesses in the province.

Citizens demanded the establishment of effective price control committees to keep the prices of essential commodities in check.

They also called for the launch of new employment and economic development projects for young people to reduce the burden of inflation and unemployment on the public.