CHARSADDA: Nanbais observed a strike on Monday to demand increase in price of roti on account of high rates of wheat flour.

The baton-wielding nanbais passed through various roads in Charsadda Bazaar, forcing traders and hoteliers to close their businesses. Later, they gathered at Farooq Azam Chowk.

The enraged bakers also ransacked a hotel and tortured its owner for refusing to join their protest, local residents claimed.

Due to the strike, roti was sold at Rs30 to Rs40 in the bazaar.

Addressing the protesters, nanbais association’s president Iqbal Paindakhel demanded of the district administration to set price of roti in accordance with hike in the price of atta (flour). He said price of flour kept increasing, but they were selling roti at same old rate.

Assistant commissioner Alvena Faiz said leaders of the strikers were called for talks but they didn’t show up. She said no notification had been issued to increase roti price.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2022