The Nanbai Associations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are taking action against rising wheat flour prices. Rawalpindi’s association threatened a strike if flour rates are not controlled within 10 days, while Islamabad’s association announced plans to approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over the administration’s alleged inaction.
Speaking at a press conference, Rawalpindi Nanbai Association President Shahjahan Abbasi warned of a nationwide shutter-down if the government fails to act against flour mills and dealers. “The government is responsible for supplying flour so that Roti can be sold at a controlled price,” he stated, adding that given the current situation, the price of Roti should be Rs25.
He highlighted that the official price of Roti cannot be maintained after a 70% rise in flour rates over the past two weeks. An 80kg sack of flour, which previously cost Rs6,000, is now being sold for Rs9,000. Abbasi accused “mill mafias and dealers” of profiteering in the name of floods and urged the government to stop the harassment of tandoor owners through fines and crackdowns.
In Rawalpindi, Roti (120g) is a regulated product sold for Rs15, while Naan (120g) is set at Rs25 by the association. In Islamabad, both are regulated by the ICT administration, with Roti selling for Rs18 and Naan for Rs20 in most areas.
Habib Khan, Patron-in-Chief of the Capital Nanbai Association, told Dawn that their main demand is to remove Naan from the list of regulated items. He said they decided to take the matter to court after negotiations with the ICT administration failed.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz said the Nanbais were free to exercise their right. He mentioned that the recently notified rate for Roti in Punjab is Rs14, while Islamabad has set its urban area price at Rs18 and rural at Rs16. He expressed regret that even these rates are not being followed by some Nanbais.
Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan has also supported the Nanbais’ demands, calling on authorities to check flour mills and control the hoarding of wheat products. Anjuman President Kashif Chaudhry warned that traders would announce a future course of action if the crisis is not addressed within 10 days. “It is impossible to sell it at the official rate,” he said, indicating that a strike would be considered if the government fails to act.
