GILGIT- Amidst rising costs and demands for stability, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has opted to maintain its recently revised wheat price of Rs 36 per kilogram, despite facing opposition from political parties and the public. The decision comes after earlier hikes from Rs 20 to Rs 32 per kg in November.
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan defended the new pricing, stating it aims to strike a balance between providing affordable wheat to locals and ensuring fair returns for farmers. He emphasized the need for equitable access to essential commodities throughout the region, prompting the revised pricing structure.
While the current price represents a 40% increase from the initial rate, it remains significantly lower than the proposed hike to Rs 52 per kg. The government has also allocated a quota of 7 kilograms per individual at the subsidized rate, distributed in standard bags costing Rs 3600. This move aims to address concerns about wintertime availability and prevent potential shortages.
However, the decision has not met with universal approval. Opposition parties and the Awami Action Committee have criticized the hike, deeming it insufficient to counter the current economic situation. They advocate for maintaining the initial subsidized rates to ease the burden on households struggling with inflation.
The public response to the price increase remains mixed. Some acknowledge the need to support local farmers while others express concerns about the affordability of basic necessities. With winter approaching, ensuring accessible and stable wheat prices remains a crucial challenge for the GB government in the coming months
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