Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the government is fully committed to providing affordable and quality goods to the people of Punjab, adding that a large-scale network of “Sahulat Bazaars” is being developed across the province for this purpose.
Under the government’s plan, a target has been set to complete 27 new Sahulat Bazaars by July. In addition, 13 “Sahulat On the Go” markets will also be established in different districts to ensure easy and quick access to daily essential items for citizens.
These initiatives are expected to create around 1,300 new business opportunities and provide direct employment to more than 600 individuals. According to official estimates, over 90 million citizens will benefit annually from these bazaars, making it one of the largest public relief programs in the province.
Prices of vegetables, fruits, and other food items in these markets will be around 40% lower than open market rates and up to 18% lower than official DC rates. This is expected to generate overall savings of approximately Rs 5.3 billion for more than 850,000 households.
Officials say the project will not only provide relief to the public but also strengthen the local supply chain and boost business activity. Shopkeepers are expected to see a 24% increase in sales and a 23% rise in profits, benefiting small businesses as well.
Vendors will be provided free facilities such as electricity, sanitation, and security, resulting in an estimated annual saving of Rs 35 million. Each market will be equipped with a modern control room and CCTV surveillance to ensure security and proper management.
Additionally, free home delivery service within a 5-kilometre radius will be provided within 40 minutes to further enhance convenience for citizens.
These Sahulat Bazaars will be established in districts including Bhakkar, Mianwali, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Sialkot, Gujrat, and Sargodha, among others.
Similarly, “Sahulat On the Go” markets will also be set up in various tehsils of Lahore, Jhelum, Bhakkar, Rawalpindi, Kasur, and Faisalabad.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the purpose of these initiatives is to ensure the availability of quality goods in a clean and organized environment. She added that the markets will also include parking facilities, seating areas, separate counters for senior citizens, clean drinking water, mosques, and a family-friendly environment to provide complete relief to the public.