Deadlock ends as Flour Mills Association, govt reach agreement

Association announces suspension of their strike after successful negotiations on Saturday

The deadlock between the Flour Mills Association and the government has ended, with the association announcing the suspension of their strike after successful negotiations on Saturday.

According to Express News, a crucial meeting took place between the Flour Mills Association and government ministers, with FBR officials also in attendance. Significant progress was made during the talks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned the task of negotiating with the flour mills to Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, with Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervez Malik also participating in the meeting. Following successful discussions with the government, the Flour Mills Association announced the end of the strike, which had been ongoing for several days.

During the negotiations, the federal government partially accepted the association's stance, resulting in the nationwide strike being postponed until July 22.

Also read: Flour crisis looms as mills begin strike

A committee comprising federal ministers and FBR officials will meet again on Monday and Thursday, while the Flour Mills Association will present financial estimates after consulting with leaders from all four provinces.

Until a final decision is reached, the withholding tax on flour mills under Section 153A will remain at 0.25%.

The flour mills will start wheat washing today and milling from tomorrow, with normal flour supply expected to resume across the country by Monday.