The Islamabad High Court has halted the implementation of a notification that reduced the prices of naan and roti in the federal capital.
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri of the IHC heard a petition filed by the president of the Naanbai Welfare Association.
The association argued that the Controller General had reduced the price of roti from Rs25 to Rs16 and naan from Rs30 to Rs20 without consulting them. They contended that the decision was made unilaterally and that the new prices were unreasonably low.
A representative from the district administration informed the court that the Controller General of Prices and Supplies was granted the authority to set rates for essential commodities, including naan and roti, following a legal amendment.
Barrister Umar Aijaz Gilani, representing the Naanbai association, argued that the authority granted to the Controller General was not supported by Section 3 of the notification. He also highlighted the high costs of rent and flour in Islamabad.
The court inquired whether the association was consulted regarding the flour prices before the price reduction. It emphasized that decisions should be made justly to ensure public satisfaction.
Subsequently, the court temporarily suspended the notification reducing the prices of naan and roti in Islamabad until May 6, summoning a detailed response from the concerned authorities.
