CM tightens noose around profiteers

Permitted business hours extended for Ramazan

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to take strict action against profiteers and hoarders during Ramazan, while announcing that Ramazan Nigehban cards will be provided to four million families across the province.

Chairing a meeting on the Ramazan relief programme, the chief minister instructed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and price control committees to ensure effective measures to curb inflation and guarantee the availability of essential commodities at notified rates.

She also ordered the removal of restrictions on market and shopping centre timings during the holy month.

The chief minister said more than 400,000 Nigehban cards had been delivered at people's doorsteps and the distribution among all four million beneficiary families would be completed by the 10th of Ramazan. Under the scheme, each family will receive Rs10,000, withdrawable through automated teller machines (ATMs).

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warned that any agent or official found demanding money from the public in connection with the programme would face strict punishment. Officials said 167 camp sites had been established across districts to facilitate beneficiaries.

The chief minister ordered enhanced security arrangements at mosques, bus terminals and railway stations during Ramazan, along with improved sanitation measures in cities. She said relief would also be provided through Ramazan and Sahulat bazaars, where essential food items were being sold at around 15 per cent below market rates.

She said nearly 300 Nigehban dastarkhwans would be set up in 147 cities to provide quality meals to fasting people, adding that decoration and cleanliness drives were also being carried out in urban centres for the month.

She emphasised that Ramazan is a month of compassion and state institutions must fulfil their responsibility to ensure relief for citizens, particularly low-income families.

In accordance with the chief minister's order, the Punjab government approved extended business hours across the province for Ramazan, granting blanket exemption from prescribed closing times to shops, markets and restaurants to facilitate consumers and businesses during peak evening activity.

According to a notification issued by the labour and human resource department, all establishments in the province, including shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, chain stores and restaurants, will be exempted from the provisions of sub-section (1) of Section 7 of the Punjab Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1969, for the duration of Ramazan.

The decision was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with the notification issued "in supersession of all previous notifications" and under powers conferred by Section 4 of the ordinance. The exemption applies province-wide, subject to observance of Sections 8 and 9 of the law, which relate to labour welfare and employee protections.

The notification was shared by Chief Minister's Adviser Zeeshan Malik on social media, while the department formally circulated the order to all relevant authorities for immediate implementation.

Under the directive, all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and labour welfare officials have been instructed to ensure compliance "in letter and spirit". The labour welfare director general has been tasked with overseeing enforcement. Presidents of chambers of commerce and industry across Punjab have also been informed.

Officials said the move aims to accommodate Ramazan shopping patterns, when commercial activity typically shifts to late evening and night hours following iftar and taraweeh prayers. Retailers and restaurant owners have long sought relaxed timings during the fasting month, citing consumer convenience and seasonal demand.