RAWALPINDI: The bakers’ strike in Rawalpindi entered its fourth consecutive day on Saturday, leaving many residents struggling to buy roti from closed tandoors. While a few tandoors opened in some areas, most remained shut as the All Pakistan Nanbai Association vowed to continue the strike until their demands were met.
Shafiq Qureshi, president of the association, said selling roti at Rs14 per piece was impossible given the soaring price of wheat flour, which has risen from Rs5,500 to Rs11,000 per sack. Similarly, maida (fine flour) has nearly doubled, making it difficult for bakers to operate at the government-mandated price.
Read More: Punjab Food Authority seals three food outlets
The association also accused the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (Pera) of imposing “unfair” fines of Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 on bakers. They claimed that previous attempts at negotiations were used as a pretext for arrests, which has fueled distrust with the district administration.
In response, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassaan Tariq said one group of bakers had opened their tandoors while the striking group’s demands were unreasonable. He added that wheat supply had improved, and gas pressure was being maintained as scheduled, dismissing the bakers’ complaints. He reiterated that Pera would enforce the official roti price of Rs14.
Read More: The men who bake up a ‘blessing’ in Tehran
Residents expressed frustration at the prolonged strike. Ishtiaq Ahmed called for immediate government intervention, while Haider Ali suggested that prices for naan and paratha should also be regulated to prevent profiteering by tandoor owners.