Pakistan: Bakers go on strike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid surge in flour prices

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: The Asian country of Pakistan has been witnessing one of the worst food crisis because of the increase in flour prices in various provinces of the nation. Owing to this increase, the bakers in the Swabi city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa closed down their tandoors and staged a strike on Tuesday, January 12, 2023.

According to the local English-language newspaper of Pakistan, The Dawn, bakers have demanded an immediate increase in the price of bread as the cost of the 20 kg flour bag has seen PKR 500 increase in the price. The bakers have been asking for an increase of PKR 10 in the price of 170 grams of bread. The current selling price of bread in the country is PKR 20 which will be increased to PKR 30.

Bakers have stated that they have been facing financial difficulties amid an increase in flour and wheat prices. According to the news website, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pakistan, Gohar Ali, stated that the customers of the province, for now, cannot afford an increase in the price of the bread as they are already dealing with the commodity price changes, including flour.

Further, he answered a question and stated that an increase in the bread price would be reviewed by the District Price Review Committee.

Along with this, Chota Lahor saw blocked traffic on the Yar Hussain route as people from all walks of life were on the streets to protest against the recent hike in flour and other critical goods costs in Pakistan. The protestors demanded a price decrease and warned the authorities that they would return to their houses once their demands were fulfilled. However, the administration has assured that it will be taking meaningful steps which will in favour of the general public of Pakistan.