CHARSADDA: The flour dealers association here on Monday announced a boycott of the sale of subsidised flour, accusing the district administration of taking “inappropriate” action against dealers and thus, causing them financial losses.

The association set a one-week deadline for the government to accept its demands, warning that it will formulate a province-wide protest strategy if the issues are not resolved.

The decision was made in a meeting of the Charsadda Flour Dealers Association chaired by its president, Ayaz Mohammad.

Mian Naurdal Shah, Haji Mushtaq, Haji Shah Zaman, Haji Rizwan, Noorullah, Haji Tareef Shah, Nadeem and Shiraz Khan attended the meeting.

The participants condemned the “inappropriate and unacceptable” attitude of the deputy commissioner towards flour dealers.

They said the action was taken against dealers at a time when they were facing difficulties that amounted to discouraging distributors of subsidised flour.

Shiraz Khan, general secretary of the Muttahida Shopkeepers Federation, Charsadda, expressed solidarity with the flour dealers and condemned what he termed unjustified action against them.

He announced the federation’s full support for the dealers in their efforts to resolve the issue.

The participants decided that the flour dealers would completely boycott the sale of subsidised flour until their demands were accepted. They said the boycott was undertaken as a protest and would continue until authorities addressed their grievances.

LAW AND ORDER: Former governor and Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry leader Haji Ghulam Ali has said that maintaining peace and order in the province is a joint responsibility of the federal and provincial governments.

“Political stability is essential for economic growth and revival of industrial and commercial activities,” he told media persons at the residence of newly elected Charsadda Chamber of Commerce and Industry president retired Major Akbar Jan Khan in Utmanzai.

Mr Ali had gone there to congratulate Mr Khan. Senior vice president of the Charsadda Chamber Kashif Kamran and other office-bearers were also present.

Mr Ali said prevailing uncertainty in the province was contributing to economic instability, forcing several industrial units to close down and creating difficulties for traders and the general public.

He urged the government to create a conducive environment for businesses and industries.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026