Tandoor Owners Defy Punjab Government's Roti Pricing Order

In a show of defiance against the Punjab government's recent order to lower the prices of roti and naan, tandoor owners in various parts of Rawalpindi staged a shutter-down strike on Thursday. The strike, spearheaded by the All Pakistan Naan Bai Association (APNBA), garnered significant support and is set to continue into Friday. The tandoor proprietors stood firm in their refusal to sell roti for Rs 16 and naan for Rs 20, citing dissatisfaction with the government's decision-making process.

Khursheed Qureshi, the General Secretary of APNBA, highlighted that the cost of producing roti surpasses Rs 18, rendering the mandated price unsustainable for their businesses. The association expressed discontent over the lack of consultation with industry stakeholders before imposing the new pricing regulations. Despite warnings from local authorities, many tandoors remained closed throughout the day in protest.

On the other hand, members of the PML-N, including Zia Ullah Shah and Chaudhry Nahim Ijaz, conducted inspections at tandoors along Adiala Road to ensure adherence to the government's pricing directives. Several tandoors were sealed for non-compliance, as officials gear up to enforce the new price structure across the district in the near future.

The standoff between tandoor owners and the Punjab government underscores the challenges faced by small businesses in adapting to sudden policy changes. As the strike continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, raising concerns about the impact on the local food industry and consumer access to affordable essentials.