The Flour Mills Association strike in Lahore against the imposition of withholding tax on the sale of atta has disrupted the flour supply in the city, leaving citizens facing the prospect of a new crisis.

All flour mills have suspended their operations and the stocks of flour bags in stores have dwindled, with some shops having as few as four to six bags available, which are likely to be depleted within a few hours.

On Tuesday, millers declined to accept the Punjab government’s request to postpone their strike until Youm-i-Ashur to ensure a smooth supply of atta during Muharram days.

Punjab food minister Bilal Yaseen had invited representatives of the Punjab chapter of Pakistan Flour Mills Association and Progressive Flour Millers Group for a meeting to discuss the strike by the industry from July 11 for an indefinite period to protest.

The association announced the closure of flour mills across the country on Wednesday as negotiations between flour mill owners and the Federal Board of Revenue have failed to resolve.

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PFMA Chairman Asim Raza said the flour mill owners have refused to “become withholding agents” for the government as they do not want to create further difficulties for the public. He claimed that the government was given ample time, but no negotiations were held, and the flour mills would not assume the role of withholding agents.

On the other hand, Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen held a meeting with representatives of the Nanbai Association (Bakers Association) to discuss the uninterrupted supply of bread. Bilal Yaseen discussed the ongoing flour mill strike and the fixed prices for bread.

The Nanbai Association assured the food minister that they would ensure the continuous supply of bread and naan during Muharram.