Karachi, Feb. 17 -- As the month of Ramadan approaches, residents of Karachi are facing a surge in inflation; with prices of essential commodities soaring, it is increasingly difficult for common people to celebrate in a carefree manner.

Locals express their concerns over the rising cost of living, which seems to contradict the global trend of price reductions during the festive seasons.

According to citizens, while prices of food items generally decrease around the world before the arrival of Ramadan, Pakistan experiences the opposite. Instead of offering relief to the masses during this significant religious period, traders in Karachi are hiking prices, causing frustration and financial strain among residents.

Shamshad Ali Qureshi, a...