LAHORE : In a major relief initiative ahead of Ramazan, the government has activated 74 Sahulat Bazaars across the province from February 14, converting them into fully operational Ramazan Bazaars to facilitate citizens with subsidised essential commodities.
The move has been undertaken on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aiming to provide maximum financial relief to the public during the holy month.
Comprehensive arrangements have been finalised under the supervision of Sahulat Bazaars Authority Chairman Muhammad Afzal Khokhar.
Sahulat Bazaars Authority Director General Naveed Rafaqat visited multiple bazaars, including those in Lahore and Ferozewala to review administrative measures. Bazaars in Township, Madina Market, Madar-e-Millat, Nishtar Colony, Barki, Shahdara and Ferozewala were inspected to ensure quality control, cleanliness, security arrangements, and CCTV monitoring systems are fully functional.
According to officials, 16 essential commodities are being provided at prices up to 10 percent lower than DC rates. A 10kg flour bag is available at Rs850, while sugar is being sold at Rs140 per kilogram. A provincial control room has been established to ensure continuous monitoring of all Ramadan Bazaars and to facilitate prompt redressal of public complaints. Leaves of staff across Punjab have been cancelled, and senior officers have been directed to conduct regular field inspections to maintain operational standards.
Citizens can purchase items through ration cards and Ramazan Nigehban cards. Additionally, free home delivery within a five-kilometre radius has been introduced to enhance accessibility. Special Senior Citizen Camps are also being reviewed province-wide to provide dedicated facilities for elderly shoppers.
