The Islamabad High Court has suspended a recent notification regarding a decrease in the price of roti and naan in the federal capital.
The notification was suspended until May 6 and the court sought a detailed response from the parties on the upcoming hearing.
The decision came during a hearing presided over by Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri in response to a petition from the Naanbai Welfare Association, highlighting concerns over the legality and jurisdiction of the notification.
The petitioner argued that the federal price control fell under the supervision of the prime minister.
Also Read: Federal govt also reduces naan, roti prices in Islamabad
The counsel for the district administration explained that by amending the law, district coordination officers were empowered to issue notifications. Additionally, the Controller General of Prices and Supplies is appointed by the federal government, along with the assistant controller, appointed by the competent officer of the government, are responsible for fixing prices in accordance with district administration representation.
Umar Ijaz, representing the petitioner, pointed out that the section under which the notification was issued does not fall under the authority of the controller general.
The petitioner's counsel highlighted that there was no such reference made in the notification to justify its issuance.
Meanwhile, during the hearing, the court also inquired about the price of 120-gramme roti in Punjab and that if it was available for Rs25. Responding to the query, Ijaz explained that it was the provincial government, while in the capital, the flour was expensive and rents high.
Also Read: Punjab govt reduces roti price to Rs16
When the district administration official pointed out the absence of the officer concerned and sought time for a response, the court granted adequate time. Justice Jahangiri further probed into the matter, questioning whether the orders were issued to appease the public and if the tandoor owners were asked how much the flour cost.
Ultimately, the Islamabad High Court suspended the notification and adjourned the hearing until May 6, pending further deliberation on the legality and implications of the decision.
On April 15, in a move mirroring recent developments in Punjab, the federal government announced a reduction in the prices of roti and naan in Islamabad.
Following a notification issued by the capital's district administration, the new price of roti was set at Rs16, while the price of naan was fixed at Rs20. This adjustment, applicable to both 120-gram roti and naan, comes as part of efforts to alleviate the financial burden on consumers.
