The arrival of Ramadan typically brought a buzz of excitement to the markets of Lahore. But this year, a familiar vibrancy was missing from Sumaiya's face. Her shopping basket held only a few essentials – flour, lentils, and a small bottle of cooking oil. The prices of sugar and rice had soared, and meat was now a distant dream. "Sister, sugar is 200 rupees a kilo today!" the vegetable vendor announced, as if twisting the knife. Sumaiya sighed deeply. Just a year ago, the same sugar was ...

The arrival of Ramadan typically brought a buzz of excitement to the markets of Lahore. But this year, a familiar vibrancy was missing from Sumaiya's face. Her shopping basket held only a few essentials – flour, lentils, and a small bottle of cooking oil. The prices of sugar and rice had soared, and meat was now a distant dream. "Sister, sugar is 200 rupees a kilo today!" the vegetable vendor announced, as if twisting the knife. Sumaiya sighed deeply. Just a year ago, the same sugar was ...