On Thursday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) took action, suspending a recent city administration notification that had lowered the prices of roti until May 6. This move came following the Punjab government’s decision on April 14 to reduce roti prices, which was later echoed by the Islamabad administration.
The Punjab government had slashed roti prices from Rs20 to Rs16 and naan from Rs25 to Rs20. However, the All Pakistan Naanbais Association (Apna) opposed this decision.
The aftermath of the price reduction saw 14 individuals in the Lahore district and another 16 in Rawalpindi district being arrested for non-compliance, with various tandoors being sealed.
After negotiations, the Apna agreed to resume selling roti at Rs16 and naan at Rs20, leading to a legal dispute between the capital administration and the Naanbai association, now in the hands of the IHC.
During the hearing, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri questioned the legality of the government notification, summoning Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.
The petitioner, Sajjad Ali, president of the Capital Nan Bhai Welfare Association, argued against the reduction, stating that prices were fixed higher just four months prior.
Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani represented the petitioner during the hearing, highlighting discrepancies in the notification under the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act 1977.
The court, after considering various arguments, suspended the notification until the next hearing on May 6, urging detailed responses from the respondents.
