F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the deputy commissioner (DC) and representatives of breadmakers to set a fixed price for bread (Naan and Roti).
Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri of the IHC heard the case filed by the Naanbai Association against reduced prices of bread.
During the hearing, the state counsel stated that the advocate general would assist the court, but he had not arrived in court yet. Justice Tariq Jahangiri stated that the court would not wait for the advocate if he did not arrive on time.
The state counsel explained that the prices of bread had increased due to spike in wheat rates, but now there was sufficient wheat in the market.
Consequently, the prices of flour had been reduced by Rs1,000 per 20kg and therefore, the prices of bread were to be reduced.
The state counsel reiterated that the prices of bread were increased by bread makers when flour prices went up, but they did not reduce these when flour prices decreased.
In response, Justice Jahangiri remarked that the court was obliged to respect the interests of poor breadmakers who toiled in the scorching heat of June and July.
During the hearing, Justice Jahangiri added that the price of bread was not an issue for the rich, as they did not concern themselves with bread prices.
The Naanbai Association counsel pleaded with the court to annul the new price notification as their community members were detained and breadmaking shops (tandoor) were sealed.
The court ordered the de-sealing of breadmaking shops and the release of breadmakers.
The court directed the DC and representatives of the Naanbai Association to set the prices in consultation by 12pm tomorrow.
The IHC adjourned the court hearing, calling for a report submission within three days on the newly set prices of bread.
