The Rawalpindi commissioner has approved Ramzan Sasta Bazaars and Agriculture Fair Price Shops for all six districts of the division to ensure the availability of essential commodities at discounted rates throughout the holy month of Ramzan.
According to official sources, overall 32 of these relatively cheap markets will be set up where pulses, vegetables, grams, dates, and rice would be available for customers, 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than the open market.
They said all the bazaars would be made functional by March 22.
Sources also said the same Ramzan Sata Bazaars will be converted into Eid Bazaars from the 20th of the holy month.
The markets will be closed down on April 29.
As per official instructions, the Ramazan bazaars will be set up at designated places under canopies and entry gates would be installed at every entry point for the security of the visitors.
Moreover, close-circuit cameras will also be installed in every market and female police personnel will be deployed as well.
Sources said markets will open for customers at 8am and will be closed before Iftar.
As per official orders, stalls in these bazaars will be allotted free of cost to control inflation and the agriculture department will be given Agricultural Fair Price Counters to make sure the availability of pulses, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions at discounted prices.
A total of 16 bazaars have been approved for Rawalpindi out of which, 11 would be set up in Rawalpindi city and cantt.
These markets will be set up at Committee Chowk, Haidari Chowk, Allama Iqbal Park's parking area, Dhok Hasu, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Morgaham, Chauhar Chowk and Chungi no 22.
In addition, one Ramzan Sasta Bazaar will be established in each tehsil of the district.
From Shaban 25 to Ramzan 29, all tehsildars, naib tehsildars, senior patwaris, and heads of various public departments will be delegated the powers of price magistrates.
Sources said this would increase the number of price magistrates in the Rawalpindi district to 100.
They also said all price magistrates will check the prices of essential commodities in their respective areas daily and will impose fines on those found fleecing the customers. The price magistrate will be empowered to send shopkeepers and hawkers behind the bars for up to 72 hours for selling commodities at exorbitant prices.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner has ordered officials to keep a special check on the prices of sugar, flour, dates, rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, chilies, coriander, lemons, beverages, and gram flour.
Officials said the procedural plan to establish these markets will be finalised next week.
They said the administration will acquire canopies, walk-through gates, closed circuit cameras, luggage trolleys, tables, and chairs in this regard.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2023.
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