Artificial inflation, which is often carried out by the government or central bank, is the planned and controlled rise in the cost of goods and services in an economy. This practice is frequently applied as a monetary policy instrument to boost employment, promote economic growth, and avert deflation. By printing more money or boosting bank reserves, the process entails adding more money to the economy, which raises demand for goods and services. Prices consequently increase as a result of the inability of the market to meet the rising demand for products and services. Depending on how it is managed and the underlying causes of the inflation, artificial inflation can have both beneficial and bad consequences on the economy.

In South Asia, especially Pakistan, artificial inflation is a recurring issue. Excessive government spending, currency manipulation, monetary policy, and speculation are typically the culprits. Artificial inflation in Pakistan has had a significant impact on many facets of the economy and culture. The typical citizen's ability to make purchases has been affected most significantly. People must pay more for the same goods and services as a result of rising prices, which lowers their level of living.

Furthermore, the nation's poverty rate has increased as a result of inflation. While the middle class is also being pushed into poverty due to increased costs, those who were previously below the poverty line find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Another thing that might cause fictitious inflation is currency manipulation. Some Asian nations, including China, have been charged with manipulating their currencies in order to maintain a low export value. This lowers the price of their products for overseas consumers while raising the cost of imports for domestic consumers, which raises prices. Last but not least, speculative actions can potentially cause unnatural inflation. A commodity like oil or gold, for instance, might be purchased in bulk by investors in expectation of future price increases. Even if there isn't a longer-term rise in demand, this can temporarily raise costs.

Artificial inflation may fuel economic inequality by lowering low-income earners' purchasing power, whereas higher-income earners are better equipped to safeguard their money from inflation. This could increase income differences already present and widen the wealth divide. Although artificial inflation is typically considered to be a bad thing, some contend that it can actually boost economic development and lower unemployment, especially during recessionary times. By enacting effective monetary policies, preserving price stability, fostering competition, and fostering economic progress, governments and the state bank can avoid or lessen the detrimental effects of artificial inflation.

To combat the problem of artificial inflation, the Pakistani government has taken a number of actions. Controlling the money supply through monetary policy has been one of the main tactics. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised interest rates to slow the expansion of credit, which has partially reduced inflation. This tactic, meanwhile, has also had some unfavorable effects. The business sector has suffered as a result of lower investment and borrowing as a result of higher interest rates. In addition, the government has found it challenging to finance its budget deficit due to the rising cost of borrowing. Tax increases on specific goods and services have been another government policy. The government has benefited financially from this, but consumers have also seen price increases.

By offering subsidies, the government has additionally attempted to keep inflation under control. For instance, commodities like wheat, sugar, and gasoline that are necessities have received subsidies. This tactic, though, has also come under fire for being ineffective and corruptible. Overall, Pakistan's artificial inflation problem is complicated, and no single solution exists. The core drivers of inflation, such as government expenditure, monetary policy, and the economic environment, require a more all-encompassing strategy that takes all of these into account.

Improving the business climate through cutting red tape and expanding access to financing for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) is one possible approach. This might contribute to boosting productivity and competitiveness, which might result in cheaper pricing for customers. Increasing the effectiveness of government spending is another option. The government may prioritize expenditure on necessities like infrastructure, healthcare, and education while cutting back on non-necessities like fancy automobiles and international travel.

In conclusion, an important issue in South Asia, especially Pakistan, is artificial inflation. Its effects on the economy and society have been profound, resulting in lower purchasing power, higher rates of poverty, and challenges for the commercial sector. Although the government has taken attempts to address the problem, a more thorough strategy that takes into account inflation's underlying causes is required. Among other tactics, this can entail enhancing the business climate and the effectiveness of government spending.

Aliza Imtiaz is a student of Government and Public Policy at National Defence University Islamabad. Her interests include understanding the intricacies of governance and its effects on communities.