Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday directed immediate action to lower the price of roti across the province, aligning with the recent decline in flour prices. The move is aimed at providing swift relief to the public, particularly low-income households burdened by rising food costs.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the prices of essential commodities, the Chief Minister instructed the Price Control Department to revise the price of roti without delay and ensure the benefits of falling flour prices are directly passed on to consumers.
“The new price of bread must reflect the reduction in flour prices,” she said. “I want roti to become affordable for every household. This relief must go straight to the people.”
Maryam Nawaz pledged to bring the price of roti down to what she termed “the lowest level in history,” reiterating her government’s commitment to addressing food inflation, which disproportionately affects the poor.
In addition to the reduction in roti prices, the Chief Minister also directed provincial officials to intensify market surveillance and keep a close watch on the prices of essential food items, including chicken, vegetables, and pulses.
Expressing concern over the rising cost of poultry, she noted that even a basic meal has become unaffordable for many families.
“The child of a poor household used to eat chicken once a week. If chicken becomes too expensive, even that luxury disappears. I will not tolerate this,” she said firmly.
CM Maryam also called for strict action against hoarders and profiteers, instructing officials to crack down on artificial price manipulation and black market practices. She emphasized the importance of daily price monitoring, particularly in urban markets and wholesale hubs.
She warned that failure to regulate food prices and ensure fair access to essential goods would not be overlooked, stating that the government has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable segments of society.
“Our administration is fully committed to shielding the poor from the crushing burden of food inflation,” she asserted. “There must be visible and immediate improvement in market prices.”
The directive has been welcomed by many across Punjab, particularly in urban centers where food inflation has significantly strained household budgets. Traders and tandoor owners are expected to receive updated pricing instructions shortly, and enforcement teams have been tasked with ensuring compliance.
The Punjab government is expected to issue a formal notification regarding the new roti price within the next 24 hours, and public feedback mechanisms are being put in place to report overpricing and non-compliance.
This bold step by the Chief Minister reflects a broader effort to rein in inflation, restore market discipline, and uphold her administration’s pledge to prioritize the welfare of the common citizen.
