Relief: Ensure good service at Ramazan Bazaars, says CM

Shahbaz also stressed on the need for environment protection

LAHORE: “The government has provided a huge Ramazan package to facilitate citizens during the holy month,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday.

In a statement, the chief minister said departments concerned would have to ensure coordination to maintain quality service at the Ramazan Bazaars.

“Duties have been assigned to ministers, advisers, parliamentary secretaries and special assistants to monitor Ramazan Bazaars. They will be responsible for implementation of the Ramazan Package.”

“The government wants to provide relief to the masses and it is for this purpose that flour, ghee, rice, pulses, vegetables and other essential items will be sold at subsidised rates in Ramazan.”

The chief minister said more than 300 Ramazan Bazaars had been set up across the province.

“A 10-kilogramme flour bag will be available for Rs290 at Ramazan Bazaars. It is being sold for Rs310 in the open market.”

The chief minister said fruits, dates, vegetables and pulses would be available at subsidised rates at fair price shops in Ramazan Bazaars.

He said prices of essential items, fruits, vegetables and pulses should be displayed prominently in the Ramazan Bazaars and in other markets.

“Food should be made accessible for the public,” the chief minister said. “The people must not suffer during the holy month. Profiteers and hoarders must not be allowed to exploit the people.”

Shahbaz said action would be taken against those found hoarding items and fleecing the public.

“Price control committees should monitor prices of items on a daily basis. They will be held responsible if there are complaints about profiteering.”

The chief minister said security around Ramazan Bazaars should be ensured.

“District administrations should provide a security plan to ensure public safety during Ramazan,” he said.

He urged ministers, advisers, parliamentary secretaries and special assistants to visit to Ramazan Bazaars regularly.

International Environment Day

“The environment and human life are inextricably linked to one another,” said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the occasion of International Environment Day.

In a statement, the chief minister said there was a need to regulate factors destroying the environment.

“This is essential to improve living standards and to provide a liveable environment to citizens,” he said.

The chief minister said haphazard development had greatly affected the environment.

“Growing population and industrialisation has left a negative footprint on earth,” he said.

Shahbaz said the government was aware of the threats to food and water security due to climate change.

“Protection of natural resources and public awareness can help conserve environment,” he said.

He said the government had taken a number of steps for protection of the environment and implementation of rules and regulations was being ensured in this regard.

The chief minister said institutions concerned should keep an eye on factors affecting environment and take steps to curb pollution.

“There is a need for a public awareness campaign to highlight the importance environment protection.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2016.