LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced the launch of 100 new Sahulat Bazaars across the province to help people cope with rising prices. This major step aims to control inflation, ensure price stability, and provide year-round relief to the public.
This project is part of the Special Chief Minister’s Initiative in the 2025–26 budget and has been allocated Rs10 billion. It is one of the biggest welfare programmes in Punjab’s history.
Unlike the short-term Ramazan Bazaars, these Sahulat Bazaars will be permanent and built in every tehsil. They will offer essential daily items at government-approved rates in clean and well-managed markets.
Work has already started on 13 Sahulat Bazaars in Jaranwala, Pattoki, Sharaqpur, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Khanewal, Narowal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Chunian, Wazirabad, Bhalwal, Noshehra Virkan, Jalalpur (Multan), and Burewala. The government has released Rs3.4 billion for these bazaars, which are expected to open by August 2025.
To make these services more accessible, mobile markets under the “Sahulat On the Go” programme have also been launched at 15 locations in Lahore. These markets provide items at official prices and help stop illegal stalls and overpricing.
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Other features include free home delivery of goods, discount Sahulat Stalls, solar-powered bazaars, and upgrades to 36 already existing facilities in Punjab.
Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad, head of the Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority (PSBA), said that the government is moving quickly on this project.
He added that under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz and Chairperson Afzal Khokhar, all 100 bazaars will be ready before Ramazan. A detailed division-wise plan is ready, and construction will begin as soon as land is provided.
To speed up the process, Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary of PC&CMD, held a high-level meeting and directed departments to submit project plans quickly so that funds can be released early.
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