Islamabad, Jan 5: Despite the government’s efforts to control inflation, the prices of essential commodities, particularly chicken meat, have continued to rise sharply across Pakistan. On Sunday, chicken prices surged significantly, with some areas experiencing nearly double the prices within a week.
In Islamabad, the federal capital, the price of chicken meat escalated to Rs880 per kg, up from Rs450 just seven days earlier. Live chicken prices also saw a substantial increase, rising from Rs285 to Rs460 per kg. The cost of desi chicken reached a record high, hitting Rs900 per kg, a stark contrast to the previous prices.
The price hikes were mirrored in Lahore, where broiler chicken prices surpassed Rs700 per kg. Although the government’s official price list had set the rate at Rs595 per kg, vendors in markets such as Tollinton Market were selling chicken meat for up to Rs730 per kg, highlighting a significant gap between official rates and market realities.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the situation was no different. In Peshawar, chicken prices rose by Rs70 within just a week, bringing the price to Rs510 per kg over the weekend. Live chicken, which had been priced at Rs440 per kg last week, has also seen a considerable increase.
This consistent rise in chicken prices across multiple regions raises concerns about the effectiveness of government measures to control inflation. The price surge places additional strain on households, particularly those already struggling with the high cost of living. With no immediate relief in sight, consumers continue to feel the impact of soaring food prices, prompting further questions regarding the government’s strategy to curb inflation and stabilize essential commodity costs.
