Rising inflation is putting pressure on household budgets across Pakistan, and even chicken meat — once considered the most affordable source of protein — is becoming increasingly expensive for urban consumers.
Despite official price controls, market rates tell a different story, leaving citizens frustrated and financially strained.
Official Rates vs Market Reality
According to the latest official notification, the government-set price of broiler chicken meat is Rs. 526 per kilogram. However, in open markets, consumers are paying up to Rs. 550 per kilogram, reflecting a clear gap between official rates and actual selling prices.
Live chicken is currently being sold at Rs. 363 per kilogram, while boneless chicken meat has reached Rs. 700 per kilogram, making it unaffordable for many families.
Cheap Protein Is No Longer Cheap
Chicken meat has long been viewed as the most economical protein option for middle- and lower-income households. With beef and mutton already out of reach for many, chicken was the last affordable alternative.
Now, rising prices have pushed even this basic food item beyond the reach of a large segment of the population.
Public Reaction and Growing Frustration
Citizens say that while food prices continue to rise, household incomes remain stagnant, making it increasingly difficult to manage daily expenses.
Many consumers believe that price controls exist only on paper, as enforcement in open markets appears weak. As a result, shoppers are forced to either reduce consumption or compromise on nutrition.
Impact on Household Nutrition
With chicken prices climbing steadily, families are cutting back on protein intake, which could have long-term health implications, especially for children and elderly family members.
Nutrition experts often stress the importance of affordable protein, but current market trends are making balanced diets harder to maintain.
Conclusion
Chicken meat prices soaring above official rates highlight the widening gap between policy and ground reality. What was once considered the cheapest source of protein is now becoming a luxury for many households.
Unless effective monitoring and price control mechanisms are enforced, chicken may soon join the list of food items that are no longer affordable for the average Pakistani consumer.
