Islamabad High Court Grants Relief to Tandoor Owners Over Roti and Naan Price Dispute
Islamabad High Court Grants Relief to Tandoor Owners Over Roti and Naan Price Dispute
Introduction
In a major relief for naanbais (bread makers), the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stopped the district administration from harassing tandoor owners over price control enforcement. The court’s decision came after repeated complaints from the Naanbai Association regarding unfair fines and sealing of tandoors despite previous court orders. This ruling highlights the ongoing struggle between small business owners and local authorities over bread prices in Pakistan.
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Court Stops Harassment of Naanbais
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir of the Islamabad High Court heard the case where the Naanbai Association President Sajjad Abbasi appeared alongside other representatives. The state was represented by Malik Abdul Rehman, the official counsel. During the hearing, Abbasi stated that despite prior court orders, the district administration continued sealing tandoors and imposing unjust fines. The court acknowledged the seriousness of these complaints and ordered the administration to refrain from any harassment until further notice.
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Administration’s Claim and Court’s Response
The state counsel argued that multiple meetings had already been held between the administration and naanbai representatives to resolve the matter. However, Abbasi denied this claim, asserting that no such meetings took place. Expressing dissatisfaction over the situation, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir directed the petitioner to personally deliver the court’s written order to the Deputy Commissioner and the Deputy Director of Food. The judge added, “You personally deliver the order — then we will see what happens next,” showing his intent to ensure compliance with the law.
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Background of the Price Dispute
The issue of roti and naan pricing has been a recurring conflict between the Muttahida Naanbai Roti Association and the government. The Punjab government had previously issued a directive to reduce naan and roti prices across the province to make food more affordable. However, naanbais have argued that rising flour, gas, and operational costs make these prices unsustainable. They claim that such policies could force small tandoors to shut down, affecting thousands of workers who depend on the industry.
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Key Points from the Court Hearing
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Islamabad High Court (IHC) |
| Judge | Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir |
| Petitioner | Naanbai Association President Sajjad Abbasi |
| Respondent | District Administration, Islamabad |
| Issue | Harassment and sealing of tandoors |
| Court Decision | Ordered to stop harassment immediately |
| Next Step | Petitioner to deliver court order to DC |
| Ongoing Concern | Price control enforcement fairness |
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Reaction from the Naanbai Community
Following the court’s decision, tandoor owners across Islamabad and Punjab expressed relief, stating that they can now operate without fear of sudden raids or fines. The Naanbai Association also welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that they are ready to cooperate with the government as long as policies are fair and practical. They urged the authorities to engage in genuine dialogue instead of imposing unrealistic price controls that hurt small businesses.
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Future Steps and Expected Outcome
The court’s ruling has temporarily paused aggressive enforcement actions, but the larger issue of roti and naan prices remains unresolved. It is expected that both the government and naanbai associations will soon sit together to find a balanced solution. Experts suggest that price regulation must consider inflation, flour costs, and gas tariffs to ensure sustainability for both consumers and sellers.
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FAQs
1. What was the main issue in this case? The conflict arose over government price controls on roti and naan, which naanbais found unfeasible due to rising costs.
2. What did the Islamabad High Court decide? The court ordered the administration to stop harassing or sealing tandoors and to respect previous court orders.
3. Who represented the Naanbai Association? Sajjad Abbasi, President of the Naanbai Association, appeared in court with other representatives.
4. What happens next? The petitioner must personally deliver the court order to the concerned officers, and further hearings will decide future actions.
5. Has the government responded? The state counsel stated that meetings had been held, but naanbai representatives denied this claim.
Final Thoughts
The Islamabad High Court’s ruling offers temporary relief to tandoor owners who have been struggling with strict enforcement actions. This case also highlights the broader challenge of balancing affordability for the public and profitability for small food businesses. A collaborative and transparent approach between naanbais and government authorities is crucial for resolving this long-standing issue.
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