Karachi Food Insecurity Crisis As Ramazan Approaches Amid Inflation

As of February 24, 2026, food insecurity in Karachi has reached alarming levels as the holy month of Ramazan approaches. Reports indicate that inflation and stagnant wages have severely impacted the purchasing power of low-income families. Rasool Bakhsh, a 65-year-old watchman, expressed his distress, stating, "There were no groceries at home" just days before Ramazan. This sentiment is echoed by labor representative Mirza Maqsood, who noted that many workers are not even receiving the minimum wage of Rs40,000 set by the government, questioning, "Is that sufficient in today's circumstances?" The situation is exacerbated by rampant price hikes, with essential items being sold at rates significantly above the official price lists issued by local authorities. For instance, potatoes are priced at Rs40-50 per kilogram, while the official rate is Rs23, highlighting a stark discrepancy (Tribune Latest, Pakistan News Network).