Punjab Chief Minister approves Ramazan-ul-Mubarak relief package

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has granted approval to a historic relief package of billions of rupees for the people during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. He was addressing a high level meeting through video link at Civil Secretariat, here today.

The Chief Minister said that subsidy of five billion rupees will be given under Ramazan Package on the provision of flour to the masses. He said that flour bag of 10 kg will be available to the citizens for Rs.290 in Ramazan bazaars whereas 10 kg flour bag will be available at Rs.310 and 20 kg flour bag at Rs.620 in open market.

Shahbaz Sharif said that 330 Ramazan bazaars will be set up in Punjab whereas 25 model bazaars will also operate as Ramazan bazaars. He said that two thousand Dastarkhawan will also be arranged in the province during Ramazan. He said that Ramazan bazaars will start functioning from June 3 and will remain open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.

He said that concerned associations will supply sugar, ghee, chicken and eggs at cheaper rate in Ramazan bazaars while prices of sugar, ghee and chicken will be Rs.10 per one kg lesser than open market. He said that agri fair price shops will also be set up in Ramazan bazaars where fruit, dates, vegetables and pulses will be available at concessionary rate.

The Chief Minister said that like every year, Pakistan Muslim League-N government is also giving a special package for providing relief to the common man in the holy month of Ramazan.    The Chief Minister ordered that prices of fruit, vegetables, pulses and essential items should be displayed prominently in Ramazan bazaars and open market and digital price boards should be set up for facilitating the masses.

The Chief Minister said that abundant supply of quality items should be ensured so that citizens should fully benefit from the Ramazan package. He said that no compromise will be made on the quality of necessary items. He said that provision of pulses at affordable rate should be ensured. Shehbaz Sharif further directed that arrangements should be made for the import of any item of which there is a possibility of shortage while indiscriminate action should be taken against hoarders and profiteers.

He further directed that foolproof security arrangements should be made in Ramazan bazaars. He said that DCOs should personally monitor the process of auctioning in vegetable markets while provincial ministers and secretaries should pay visits to Ramazan bazaars to review quality, availability and prices of essential items. He said that cabinet committee on price control will monitor prices of essential commodities in Ramazan bazaars on daily basis.

The Chief Minister directed authorities concerned to provide maximum facilities to the consumers in Ramazan bazaars while proper parking arrangements at Ramazan bazaars should also be made.

Provincial Ministers Dr. Farukh Javed, Ch. Muhammad Shafique, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Members National and Provincial Assembly, Chief Secretary and concerned officials attended the meeting from Civil Secretariat through video link whereas Commissioner Sargodha, DCO Sargodha, DCO Faisalabad and DCO Khanewal participated in the meeting through video link.