Islamabad, April 5 (NationPress) In Pakistan, traders have issued a warning to the government about a potential nationwide protest unless the recent spike in petroleum prices is rescinded. Additionally, they are demanding an end to the ongoing crackdown on bakers (naanbai), as reported by local media on Sunday.

During a press conference held at the National Press Club, Ajmal Baloch, the President of All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajran, emphasized that traders should not be labeled as "thieves and robbers." He highlighted the vital role of the business community in strengthening Pakistan's economy, as noted by the leading daily, Dawn.

Baloch pointed out the unrealistic expectations placed on bakers to sell bread at lower prices while they are purchasing flour at inflated costs. He called for discussions with key stakeholders to establish just prices for naan and roti. Furthermore, he urged the government to free all detained traders.

He criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's calls for austerity, arguing that such measures are not being observed at the highest levels. Baloch called for an end to the provision of free fuel, electricity, gas, and official vehicles for the elite in Pakistan.

He described the crackdown on bakers, despite a stay order from the court, as "oppressive and illegal," questioning who would hold accountable the officials who are violating the law.

Sajjad Ali Abbasi, President of the Capital Naanbai Association, echoed Baloch's sentiments, stating that authorities have been treating traders unfairly.

"We are grappling with significant cost increases, as the price of a flour bag has soared from Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 8,000 to PKR 12,000. Additionally, due to gas shortages, we have had to rely on LPG, which has seen cylinder prices jump from PKR 8,000–10,000 to over PKR 21,000," he explained.

Abbasi added that bakers are striving to keep bread prices reasonable, despite the soaring costs of LPG cylinders and flour. He reported that many traders have been arrested in the recent crackdown.

He warned that if the government does not alter its stance, bakers in Islamabad will stage a sit-in outside the deputy commissioner's office alongside their families.

This statement from traders and bakers follows the government's announcement of a dramatic increase in fuel prices, with petrol prices rising by 43% and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices by 55%.

The price of petrol has been elevated by PKR 137.23 per litre, now costing PKR 458.41, while HSD has seen an increase of PKR 184.49 per litre, rising to PKR 520.35. The cost of kerosene has also risen by PKR 34.08, now priced at PKR 457.80.

To mitigate the impact on transportation and freight costs, adjustments were made to petroleum levy rates. The levy on petrol has increased to PKR 160 per litre from PKR 105, whereas it has been reduced to zero on diesel, down from PKR 55, according to sources cited by Dawn.