Seven Nanbais (bread makers) were apprehended in Rawalpindi for charging higher prices for roti than those fixed by the government.
Reportedly, fines were imposed on 68 Nanbais, and four roti shops were sealed for non-compliance with the government’s instructions in this matter.
The district administration, both in Rawalpindi and across Punjab, is taking action to ensure the enforcement of fixed roti prices. However, the Nanbais association has rejected the government’s fixed prices and opted to continue selling roti at previous rates.
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Hassan Waqar, affirmed that price magistrates are actively ensuring compliance with the fixed roti prices, with over 100 roti shops inspected thus far. A total fine of Rs1,70,000 has been levied on 68 Nanbais for violating the regulations.
Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a Rs4 reduction in the price of roti, bringing it down to Rs16 province-wide.
In an effort to alleviate the burden on the public, the first-ever female chief minister pledged last month to take necessary steps to provide relief across the province.
While citizens welcomed the decision, its implementation is pending as nanbais claim they have not yet received official orders.
Nanbai associations across the province unanimously rejected the decision, insisting they would comply only if provided with subsidies.
President of the Nanbai Association, Shafique Qureshi, highlighted the challenges of selling roti at reduced rates without subsidies, citing high prices of wheat flour and LPG.
The Punjab cabinet recently fixed the minimum support price of wheat for 2023-2024 at Rs3,900 per 40kg, stressing the protection of small farmers’ interests.
