ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Naanbais Association while rejecting the government’s notification reducing the prices of naan and roti have announced to observe a strike on May 8 in Islamabad, Punjab and KP if the authorities did not consider ground realities before price fixing.

The traditional tandoor operators and owners announced that they will not accept any unilateral decision by the government. They said they have already filed a petition in court.

Addressing a news conference here on Thursday, association’s President Shafiq Qureshi along with other chapters, including Punjab president Aftab Gul and KP president Malik Iqbal Paindakhel, said: “Reducing the price of bread the government did not take the naanbai association into confidence; why are we being forced to sell naan and roti at lower than the cost price.”

Mr Qureshi added: “Our business has been destroyed by the government’s decision. This is not fair.” He said cases were being registered against tandoor operators and several members of the association have been arrested too.

The association members criticised the government for failing to resolve their key problems, including gas loadshedding and rising tariffs of electricity and gas.

“We have also floated the idea that all registered tandoors be provided subsidised wheat flour to keep the price of naan and roti low,” Mr Qureshi added.

Aftab Gul and Iqbal Paindakhel said it was the responsibility of the government to provide relief to the people and it should not be at the cost of naanbais.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2024