Rural relief bazaars planned

Initiative aimed to facilitate residents during Ramazan

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has launched a Rs35 billion initiative ahead of Ramazan to ensure the availability of essential commodities at official rates in both urban and rural areas of the province.

Under the programme, 'on-the-go bazaars' have been established in Lahore, while Sahulat bazaars are being rolled out at the tehsil level across the province.

According to officials, the initiative aims to stabilise prices of daily-use items and curb profiteering during the holy month.

The on-the-go bazaars have initially been set up at eight locations in Shadman, Madar-e-Millat Road, Madina Market, Township, Sunder Road, Kotha Pind, Faisal Town and Awan Town. Two additional sites are planned at Valencia Town and Shahdara, which would increase the number of such markets in the city to 10. Purpose-built stalls and shops have been set up at the sites, where vegetables, fruits, meat, sugar and grocery items are being sold at officially notified rates.

Parking has been arranged by installing tuff tiles, while digital rate list boards have been displayed to ensure transparency.

Seating arrangements for men and women have also been provided, and Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) staff deployed to maintain cleanliness. On-site offices have been established for administrative officers to oversee pricing, quality control and complaint redressal.

A shopper, Nasir Ahmed, said the availability of essential items at one spot in a clean environment had facilitated his daily shopping.

However, another citizen, Fawad Nazir, urged the administration to strengthen monitoring. A shopkeeper in a bazaar said the initiative had improved business prospects by ensuring a steady customer flow.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had last year approved a Rs30 billion subsidy for setting up Sahulat bazaars across the province during Ramazan. Recently, the allocation was increased to Rs35 billion to expand the programme.

At present, 46 Sahulat bazaars are operational across Punjab.

The chief minister has ordered that Sahulat bazaars be established in all 106 tehsils of the province by June 30, extending the relief to rural areas as well. The markets will offer fruits, vegetables, sugar, groceries, meat, clothing, footwear and other essential items at subsidised prices, with some commodities priced below the official rates.

The task of implementing the programme has been assigned to the price control and commodities management department in coordination with the district administrations, market committees, food and livestock departments and other relevant agencies.

Work has begun at the tehsil level to identify suitable locations and fulfil infrastructure requirements.

Punjab Price Control and Commodities Management Secretary Kiran Khurshid told The Express Tribune that on-the-go bazaars had been set up on major roads in Lahore to facilitate easy access for consumers.