RAWALPINDI: Flour prices have soared in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other districts of Punjab as flour millers have raised the cost of an 80kg bag by Rs 1,300.
Meanwhile, the Naan Bai Association demanded an emergency meeting in order to address the fall out on bread (roti) prices.
This surge in price increased shortly after the federal government successfully negotiated with flour mill owners.
This was after the imposition of the 5.5% advance income tax that was introduced in the budget of 2024-25 was turned down.
The government rolled back the advance income tax after a successful talk with the mill owners by the government committee. The talks led to the suspension of a strike that had been planned over the tax.
The strike, which lasted three days, caused significant flour shortages, particularly in Karachi.
Flour mill owners had announced the strike on July 11, citing the tax imposition and increasing electricity costs as key challenges to their operations.
Despite the resolution of the tax dispute, the mill owners continue to face difficulties, particularly due to high electricity bills, which have put additional strain on their businesses.
