Reduction in roti prices challenged in IHC

The concerned authorities did not take us on board before making the decision, the association said.

ISLAMABAD: The Naanbai Welfare Association has filed petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the reduction of roti and naan prices in the federal capital.

According to a private news channel report, the President of Naanbai Welfare Association moved the high court and challenged the official prices of naan and roti.

In the petition, the Naanbai Association has maintained that the controller general cut the price of roti from Rs 25 to Rs 16 and naan from Rs 30 to Rs 20.

The concerned authorities did not take us on board before making the decision, the association maintained.

President of Naanbai Welfare Association told the IHC that the decision was made without consulting them and that the new prices are too low.

“It is imperative to listen to all stakeholders before fixing prices of essential commodities. The notification to increase the prices can only be issued by the federation under Section III of the Price Control Act,” the Association argued in the petition.

The Naanbai Welfare Association claimed that that the cost of producing roti and naan is higher than the newly fixed prices.

They said that Roti costs at least Rs 27 while naan costs at least Rs 30. The IHC was requested to quash the notification issued by the Controller General on April 15.

Earlier this week, the Muttahida Nanbai Roti Association of Punjab has rejected directives to reduce the price of roti and naan in the province.

While after the Punjab government’s directive to set the price of roti at Rs 16, the Nanbai Association has issued a 96-hour ultimatum, demanding a reduction in flour prices.

The Nanbai Association also threatened to initiate a province-wide shutter-down strike if their demands are not met.