ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), noting that although general inflation has eased to 6.2 per cent from 7.2 per cent during the same period last year, recent upward pressures, largely driven by crop losses following the 2025 floods, require urgent, evidence-based intervention.
Reviewing current inflation dynamics with the Chief Economist, Chief Statistician, and representatives of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Minister directed all relevant departments to intensify measures for market stability, particularly by preparing advance supply plans for essential commodities required during Ramazan to prevent price volatility and ensure uninterrupted availability throughout the holy month.
According to the inflation briefing presented by PBS, the first two months of the fiscal year saw moderate inflation averaging around 3 per cent. However, a noticeable upward trend emerged in September and October as major crops sustained severe damage due to flooding, disrupting market supply chains and affecting wholesale and retail dynamics.
Food inflation, which had recorded negative growth by August, also rose in the subsequent months as supply constraints deepened. PBS officials further reported that key sectors—including services, transport, education,health, and food, continued to exert pressure on the overall price structure.
Despite these challenges, the committee was informed that certain essential commodities, such as onions, pulses, wheat, and sugar, were helping pull down the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), providing limited but important relief in some segments.
Speaking during the meeting, Planning Minister emphasized that long-term price stabilization is closely tied to strengthening the country’s cold chain infrastructure. “Every perishable item in our markets is a live commodity. Without proper cold chain systems, we cannot maintain stable supplies, especially for essential items such as poultry, tomatoes, and vegetables,” he stated.
The Minister noted that inadequate handling, storage, and transport systems contribute to substantial post-harvest losses, which ultimately exacerbate supply shortages and price fluctuations.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that ensuring price stability requires a shift from reactive governance to proactive management. He directed all departments to adopt a data-driven approach to understanding inflation and to furnish detailed analytical reports that clearly identify the key drivers behind recent price movements. “We must move away from reactive responses and transition to proactive management.
All decisions must be guided by robust analytics to ensure timely interventions,” he said, adding that timely data-based insights are vital for developing corrective measures and ensuring informed decision-making.
In reviewing the status of decisions taken in the previous meeting, the Minister expressed concern over the recurrence of preventable market disruptions during predictable high-demand periods. He underscored the need for meticulous preparation ahead of seasonal peaks, particularly Ramadan, when consumption patterns change significantly across the country.
“Market stability depends on timely preparation. Products that witness high demand during Ramazan must be identified well in advance, and their supply plans should be presented in the next meeting so that any potential gaps can be addressed,” he directed. He called for a structured, cross-departmental mechanism to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential items and prevent price spikes during the holy month.
The Minister also instructed provincial authorities and district administrations to enhance market monitoring, with a particular focus on narrowing the gap between wholesale and retail prices. He stressed that excessive profiteering must be curbed to provide maximum relief to citizens already facing cost-of-living pressures.
PBS officials were further asked to strengthen their price comparison systems and coordinate closely with provincial departments to ensure consistent reporting across all markets.
The Minister noted that improving price transparency would support more responsive policymaking and help identify distortions in a timely manner.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining price stability through coordinated efforts, analytical rigor, and improved market management. He stated that while inflation remains lower than last year, sustained vigilance is essential to shield consumers from avoidable volatility.
