Traders warn of nationwide protest over fuel price hike and crackdown on naanbais

ISLAMABAD: Traders on Saturday warned the government that they would launch protests across the country if the latest increase in petroleum prices was not reversed and action against naanbais was not stopped.

Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajran President Ajmal Baloch said the business community should not be portrayed as criminals, saying traders were central to the country’s economy. Capital Naanbai Association President Sajjad Ali Abbasi, Barrister Umar Ijaz Gilani, Hanif Mir and Sardar Mohammad Idrees were also present.

Mr Baloch said naanbais could not be expected to sell bread at low rates while buying flour at much higher prices. He called on the government to secure the immediate release of all detained traders and urged consultations among all stakeholders to settle fair prices for naan and roti. He also said court directives must be honoured.

Criticising the government, he said that although the prime minister speaks about austerity, the same approach was not being implemented at the upper levels. He demanded an end to free fuel, electricity, gas and official vehicles for the elite.

Referring to the Islamabad administration’s campaign against naanbais, Mr Baloch described the action as oppressive and unlawful, saying it had continued despite a court stay order. He also questioned who would hold accountable the officials responsible for violating the law.

Naanbais cite rising costs

Sajjad Ali Abbasi said traders were as patriotic and law-abiding as bureaucrats and also paid taxes, but were not being treated fairly by the authorities.

"We are already struggling due to soaring costs, as a flour bag price has surged from Rs8,000 to Rs12,000, while LPG has to be used due to gas shortages, and cylinder price has risen from Rs8,000–10,000 to over Rs21,000," he said, adding that despite these pressures, naanbais were trying to keep bread prices within reach instead of transferring the full increase in costs to consumers.

Abbasi alleged that dozens of traders had been arrested in the recent crackdown and kept at police stations. "I demand that these arrests and intimidating practices have to stop," he stated.

He said naanbais work from early morning until midnight, but over the last three to four years many had fallen into debt because of mounting expenses. He warned that if the administration did not change its policy, naanbais from across Islamabad would hold a sit-in outside the deputy commissioner’s office along with their families.

Legal action warning

Barrister Umar Ijaz Gilani said that making arrests and registering cases despite a judicial stay order amounted to contempt of court. He said legal proceedings could be initiated against the authorities if required.

The traders’ representatives maintained that any decision on naan and roti prices should take into account the sharp rise in input costs, while also insisting that enforcement measures must remain within the law.