The Anjuman Naanbaiyan Association, District Peshawar, has warned that if the ban on the supply of flour from Punjab is not lifted or if an adequate quota is not provided from provincial flour mills, bakers will have no option but to shut down their shops.

Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, District President Khasta Gul, Chairman Rahim Safi, and General Secretary Haji Farooq said that the supply of flour from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been completely suspended for the past four months. As a result, the public is being forced to buy flour at higher prices, while bakers are suffering continuous financial losses.

They alleged that bribes ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs150,000 per truck are being taken to allow flour trucks to enter Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in addition to transportation costs, which has reduced bakers’ profit margins to a minimum.

The association representatives demanded that the ban on supplies from Punjab be lifted immediately. If necessary, they said, a quota should be provided from Peshawar’s flour mills, along with subsidies and fixed rates, to ensure the continuation of business.

Criticizing the provincial government and PML-N leaders, they said no seriousness has been shown on this important issue so far, and urged them to engage with the Punjab government to find an immediate solution.

The association made it clear that if their legitimate demands are not addressed, they will be forced to close their shops, and the provincial government and the PML-N will bear full responsibility for the consequences.