Punjab Minister takes swift action in bazaar visits

Suspends livestock veterinary officer Dr Zulfiqar due to negligence on duty

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal suspended the in charge of the Gulshan-e-Ravi Ramazan bazaar over poor arrangements and cleanliness. The minister was on a visit to various Ramazan bazaars on Thursday

He also suspended livestock veterinary officer Dr Zulfiqar due to negligence on duty. Iqbal checked the availability and quality of products, along with prices, weight, measures and arrangements.

Speaking on the occasion, he said provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, MPAs, administrative secretaries and district administration are in the field to monitoring Ramazan bazaars and this will continue till the last fast.

“The Punjab government is spending billions of rupees on providing quality edibles for citizens at subsidised rates during the holy month of Ramazan,” he said. Iqbal added that subsidy on onion is Rs30 per kg, Rs39 per kg on tomato, Rs171 per kg on lemon, Rs30 per kg on grain pulse, Rs9 per kg on rice and Rs90 on a 10 kg flour bag. Sugar is also available at Rs55 per kg. He added people are coming to Ramazan bazaar in large numbers due to this subsidy on essential items. Long queues of consumers will be swiftly dealt with thanks to better arrangements.

While suspending the Gulshan Ravi Ramazan bazaar in-charge and livestock veterinary officer, the minister said those who do not provide relief to the common man have no right remain in their positions.

He ordered officers to perform their duties as honestly as possible. He warned no form of lethargy would be tolerated in his respect. Iqbal also visited Ramazan bazars at Sabzazar, Mian Plaza and Johar Town to check prices and the availability of essential items.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2019.