The naanbais in Rawalpindi have defied the price regulations set by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, continuing to sell ‘Roti’ and ‘Naan’ at higher prices than those mandated. Despite the official directive setting the price of ‘Roti’ at Rs14 and ‘Naan’ at Rs20, local vendors are charging Rs20 for ‘Roti’ and Rs25 for ‘Naan’.
This resistance is attributed to the perceived inadequacy of local administration’s enforcement and the rising costs of essential goods, such as flour, electricity, and gas. Muhammad Shafiq Qureshi, President of the Rawalpindi Naanbais Welfare Association, cited these increasing costs as reasons for not adhering to the new prices.
Read more: Karachi Announces New Prices For Roti, Naan
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi had issued a notification detailing the new prices for various food items, including milk, yogurt, mutton, and beef. However, in practice, these items are being sold at significantly higher prices in the open market. For instance, fresh milk is priced around Rs200 per kg, yogurt at Rs220 per kg, mutton at Rs2,200 per kg, and beef at Rs1,200 per kg, which are above the official rates.
Retail shopkeepers and wholesale dealers argue that the prices set by the Deputy Commissioner do not align with current market conditions, where prices are rising rapidly. This discrepancy reflects broader challenges in maintaining price controls amidst economic pressures and rising costs.
