Nanbai association threatens strike

Body demands price of 340-gram roti raised to Rs30

QUETTA: Following an increase in the price of wheat flour, the Nanbai (flatbread maker) Association in Balochistan has threatened to go on strike from January 24 if the government does not increase the price of roti.

Nanbai Association Chairman Naeem Khalji demanded of the authorities to issue new rates of roti till today (Thursday), otherwise a strike would be observed from Friday (tomorrow).

He asked the district and provincial governments to take notice of the increased prices of wheat flour and allow them to raise the price of naan and roti.

The district administration has fixed the price of 310-gram roti at Rs20, while the Nanbai Association wants the new rate of 340-gram roti to be Rs30.

“The prices of electricity and gas including flour have increased after which the sale of roti at old rates is not possible," the chairman of nannbai body said.

The administration of Quetta is yet to take any step to ease the situation with the bread-makers.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has taken serious notice of the ongoing wheat flour crisis in the province and directed the authorities concerned to take strict action against those found responsible for it.

The chief minister on Monday directed all commissioners, deputy commissioners and the authorities of the food department to take immediate steps for ensuring availability of flour at government rates.

He said smooth supply of flour was the responsibility of his government and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.

Kamal ordered a crackdown against wheat and flour hoarders.

“Strict measures should be taken against those elements who are involved in flour and wheat smuggling through Iran and Afghan borders,” he said.

He directed the food department to submit a report about stocks of wheat and flour in government warehouses.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2020.