The All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran has declared a shutter-down strike today (Thursday) in Punjab and Islamabad, as the nanbais clash with the provincial government over naan and roti prices.
President Ajmal Baloch of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran urged for the release of numerous nanbais arrested across the province, announcing the strike.
Baloch criticized the Punjab government, stating that shutting down one group’s business to provide relief to another is unjust. He argued that using force, the government won’t be able to alleviate the public’s burden.
He pointed out that while the flour bag was priced at Rs10,000, naan was sold for Rs20. With a subsequent rise of Rs2,000 in flour prices, naan prices increased to Rs25.
Now, with the flour bag price at Rs10,800, the government aims to reduce the naan price to Rs16, Baloch questioned the logic behind this move.
He stressed the need for discussions with all stakeholders before deciding on price adjustments, believing that involving all parties is essential for resolving naan and roti price issues.
Earlier, the Muttahida Nanbai Roti Association of Punjab rejected directives to lower naan and roti prices in the province. After the Punjab government’s instruction to set the roti price at Rs16, the Nanbai Association issued a 96-hour ultimatum, demanding a reduction in flour prices.
They threatened a province-wide shutter-down strike if their demands were ignored.
It’s worth noting that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had previously lowered the roti price to Rs16 across the province, announcing the decision on X (formerly Twitter).
