In view of record price hike, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Salim Mandviwalla on Monday demanded imposition of ‘food emergency’ in the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

He said that 1. 38 per cent increase in inflation during the ongoing week was a matter of great concern. “Reports suggest that after recent increase the overall ratio of inflation in the country now stands at 14.48 per cent,” he said, and added, “The figures given by the Bureau of Statistics are extremely worrying.” 

Citing bureau’s report, the senator said rates of 29 items of daily use had gone up during the week, which also included food items such as tomatoes, ghee and eggs. 

Mandviwalla further said that different reports compiled on the issue showed that masses were unable to buy even milk, yogurt, rice, soaps, bread and pulses.

He was of the view that if prices continued to soar at the current rate, there was an increasing danger of food crisis developing in the country in the coming days. 

Reporter Usman Javed