IHC suspends notification of low-cost naan, roti

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday suspended the notification of reduction in the prices of naan and roti in the federal capital till May 6.

Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri heard the petition of the president of Nanabi Welfare Association.

On this occasion, the petitioner's lawyer Umar Ejaz Gilani and representatives of the district administration appeared in the court.

The representative district administration told the court that the law had been amended, empowering the DCOs.

Barrister Umar Ijaz took the stand that the federal price control was under the supervision of the Prime Minister.

The representative district administration told the court that the Controller General of Prices and Supplies will be appointed by the Federal Government. The Assistant Controller will be appointed by the authorized officer of the Government, and the Controller General has been empowered to determine the prices.

Barrister Umar Ijaz argued that the power of the Controller General is not under Section-III, which the notification issued, no reference was made in the notification.

The court inquired if 120 grams of roti in Punjab costs 25 rupees, to which the representative district government said that it is another provincial government.

Barrister Umar Ijaz Gilani said that flour is expensive here and rent is high here.

The representative district government requested the court that the concerned officer is not present, they need adequate time to present appropriate comments.

Justice Tariq Mahmood remarked that they asked sellers about the flour price or they are issuing orders to please people.

The court ordered to suspend the notification till the next hearing, directing the parties to submit detailed answers to the court on the next hearing.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till May 6.