Peshawar nanbais announce strike over flour supply ban

PESHAWAR:

Bakers in Peshawar have announced a strike to protest the ban on the supply of flour from Punjab and the failure of the district administration to issue an official price list, warning that the crisis has pushed tandoor owners to the brink of financial collapse.

According to Khishta Gul Mohmand, Chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nanbai Association (Peshawar district), and Joint Secretary Jehanzeb, the Punjab government's restriction on flour supply is "illegal" and discriminatory. They said the ban has led to a sharp increase in flour prices, with rates rising by up to Rs1,700 so far.

The association leaders said the continuous surge in flour prices, coupled with inflation, electricity load-shedding and what they described as arbitrary enforcement by the administration, has made it extremely difficult for bakers to continue operations. "Tandoor owners are facing severe financial hardships, and running businesses under the current conditions has become nearly impossible," they added. They also criticized the district administration for failing to issue a revised rate list despite repeated demands, leaving bakers vulnerable to fines and arrests. Flour prices, they said, have been rising steadily for several months without any regulatory relief.

The association demanded that the Punjab government immediately lift the ban on flour supply, the district administration issue a new price notification without delay, and the ongoing crackdown be halted.

Warning of worsening economic conditions for tandoor owners across the province, the bakers said the strike would continue until their demands are met.