The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Nanbais Association has called on the government to immediately roll back the recent increase in wheat flour prices and stabilize the rates of gas, electricity, and LPG, warning that the current situation amounts to the “economic murder” of bakers.
Association President Shafiq Qureshi said naanbais are struggling to buy costly flour while being forced to sell bread at low, government-fixed prices.
He cautioned that if subsidized flour is not provided by October 28, tandoor owners across the twin cities will close their businesses, which would leave thousands of workers jobless.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club alongside 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, but naan rates remain unchanged.
Qureshi added that the Punjab government continues to pressure tandoor owners to sell naan at Rs14, despite sharp increases in the cost of flour, electricity, gas, and LPG.
The association warned that unless authorities ensure a steady supply of affordable flour in line with the Deputy Commissioner’s directives, naanbais will be forced to shut down their tandoors, a move that could trigger unemployment and cause major inconvenience for residents.