ELIMINATING INFLATION: THE STATE’S CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY

By Rao Ghulam Qadir

Advocate High Court, LL. M (Candidate) SAHSOL-LUMS

Inflation is not merely an economic problem; it is a question of public welfare and social justice. In Pakistan, where a large section of the population struggles to afford basic necessities, rising prices have made everyday life increasingly difficult. The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, establishes principles that require the State to promote public welfare, reduce economic disparities and protect citizens against exploitation.

Article 38 of the Constitution requires the State to promote the well-being of the people by raising their standard of living, provide basic necessities, including food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief, reduce disparities in income and earnings, and prevent the concentration of wealth and distribution in a few hands.

Unfortunately, government policies often appear disconnected from the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens. While people struggle to afford food, electricity and other necessities, public expenditure on official privileges raises serious questions about the government’s priorities. Reports concerning the purchase of luxury vehicles for Punjab government officials, including cabinet members, illustrate this concern. Similarly, the use of multiple vehicles for official protocol seems difficult to justify when many citizens struggle to arrange even two meals a day. Although necessary security arrangements are understandable, unnecessary luxuries should not be financed through taxpayers’ money.

Equally concerning is the unequal burden of taxation. Ordinary citizens pay taxes on everyday commodities, fuel, electricity and other necessities, while questions remain about whether wealthy and influential groups contribute their fair share. The government also obtains loans from domestic and international financial institutions, creating obligations that ultimately affect the public. Such resources should be spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and other public needs rather than unnecessary official privileges. Before imposing further burdens on citizens, the government must reduce avoidable expenditure and ensure the fair collection and responsible use of public money.

Article 3 of the Constitution requires the State to eliminate exploitation and uphold the principle of “from each according to his ability, to each according to his work.” However, preference in the award of public contracts raises concerns about whether everyone receives a fair opportunity. When government projects repeatedly go to a limited group of influential contractors, competition suffers and wealth becomes concentrated. Article 18 protects the freedom to engage in lawful trade and business, subject to applicable law. The government must therefore ensure fair competition so that opportunities are not restricted to those with political connections.

The failure to prioritize public welfare is also evident in healthcare, education and food security. In August 2026, a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, claimed the lives of 14 newborns. The incident exposed serious institutional and fire-safety shortcomings, raising questions about the adequacy of public healthcare facilities. Similarly, the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025–26 reported that approximately 28 per cent of school-age children were out of school in 2024–25. Many parents cannot afford private institutions, while inadequate facilities in public schools further limit children’s opportunities. Rising agricultural costs and inadequate returns also create difficulties for farmers, while consumers struggle to afford essential food items.

Consequently, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025–26 reported that the national poverty rate reached 28.9 per cent in 2024–25.These figures emphasizes a disturbing reality: wealthy households are generally better equipped to withstand economic hardship, whereas low-income families struggle to meet even their basic needs.

The government must reconsider its priorities by reducing unnecessary official expenditure, ensuring fair taxation, preventing exploitation and investing in essential public services. Inflation cannot be eliminated through a single policy, but its burden can be reduced through responsible economic management. Ultimately, the success of a State should not be measured by the privileges enjoyed by its officials, but by the living conditions of its people. The government must place public interest above privileged interests and ensure that its policies serve ordinary citizens; otherwise, the constitutional promise of a fairer society will remain unfulfilled.