The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Nanbais Association has urged the government to reverse the recent hike in wheat flour prices and stabilize the rates of gas, electricity, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to prevent what they described as the “economic murder” of bakers.
Association President Shafiq Qureshi said naanbais cannot afford to buy expensive flour while being forced to sell bread at low prices. He warned that if subsidized flour is not provided by October 28, tandoor owners across the twin cities will shut down their businesses, leaving thousands of families unemployed.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, Qureshi was joined by Rawalpindi Nanbais Association General Secretary Khursheed Qureshi, Traders Association Pakistan President Kashif Chaudhry, and other representatives.
He said the price of wheat flour has doubled, yet the rate of naan remains unchanged. According to Qureshi, the Punjab government continues to compel tandoor owners to sell bread at Rs. 14, despite steep rises in the cost of flour, electricity, gas, and LPG.
The association warned that unless authorities ensure the supply of affordable flour in line with the Deputy Commissioner’s order, naanbais will have no choice but to close their tandoors, a move that could cause widespread unemployment and disrupt daily life for residents.