Rising Utility Bills Deepen Pakistan’s Middle-Class Financial Strain

Many families in Pakistan are finding it harder to pay for everyday needs.

Electricity, water, schools, hospitals and transportation are becoming more expensive.

Public services do not always work well, so families often pay for private alternatives.

Official figures show that families earn only a little more than they spend each month.

In 2024-25, the average family had just over Rs3,000 left after regular spending.

That small amount can quickly disappear if someone becomes sick or loses a job.

Electricity is especially important because families need it for cooling, studying, working and pumping water.

Higher electricity bills could make household finances even tighter.

This means many middle-class families have less protection from unexpected problems.