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Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sahulat Bazaars to offer year-round relief
The Punjab government has begun preparations for establishing 100 Sahulat Bazaars across the province, aiming to curb inflation and ensure consistent access to essential goods at notified prices. Announced as a Special Chief Minister's Initiative under the Fiscal Year 202526 Budget, the project carries an allocation of Rs10 billion. Unlike previous short-term Ramazan markets, the Sahulat Bazaars will be permanent, purpose-built marketplaces established in every tehsil. These facilities will provide essential food and household items at government-notified prices in regulated environments designed to ensure the dignity and convenience for all consumers. Construction is under way at 13 sites, including Jaranwala, Pattoki, Sharaqpur, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Khanewal, Narowal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Chunian, Wazirabad, Bhalwal, Noshehra Virkan, Jalalpur and Burewala. The government has already disbursed Rs3.4 billion for the initial projects, which are expected to become operational by August. The initiative also includes mobile markets, currently active at 15 locations across Lahore, aimed at improving access in densely populated areas while curbing encroachment and price gouging. Additional measures include free home delivery services, Sahulat Stalls offering prices below official rates, solar-powered bazaars, and upgrades to 36 existing facilities. Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority (PSBA) chief Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad affirmed that the government is treating the project with "unmatched urgency". The target is to have all 100 bazaars operational before Ramazan next year. To accelerate the rollout, Secretary of Planning, Coordination and Monitoring Dr Ehsan Bhutta convened a meeting to enforce tight deadlines for concept paper submissions and early funding releases. Divisional commissioners across Punjab have been instructed to fast-track land identification and resolve implementation hurdles. The PSBA, an autonomous authority, is overseeing the execution of the initiative. Officials say the programme represents a shift toward institutionalised price relief. Meanwhile, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) launched legal action against a poultry supplier after intercepting a vehicle carrying dead chickens intended for sale in Lahore, seizing over 1,800 kilogrammes of diseased and unfit meat, officials said on Wednesday. The operation by a PFA enforcement team took place in the Chak Dhera area on the outskirts of the city. A loader rickshaw transporting dead poultry was stopped and an FIR was registered against the supplier. As part of a crackdown on unsafe practices, a safety task force also inspected more than 217,000kg of meat from 53 suppliers and warehouses in Tollinton Market. Meat prepared from birds suffering from various diseases was found and discarded on the spot. "Preparing meat from dead or sick birds is a serious crime," said the PFA director general, adding that investigations are under way to identify those involved in the supply chain of tainted poultry. He said the PFA is committed to aligning the meat processing and transportation with international standards. He said the authority is employing all available resources to dismantle what he termed an adulteration mafia operating in Punjab. He urged the people to purchase poultry that is slaughtered in their presence to ensure health safety and to report violations on the PFA helpline.
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt's food price struggle goes on
The Punjab government has reverted to its previous mechanism of setting prices for live chicken as well as meat following the failure of an alternative system aimed at stabilising poultry prices. However, as in the past, enforcement remains weak, and the official price lists continue to be widely ignored in markets across the province. Milk vendors have also raised prices unilaterally, with the rates increasing by Rs20 per litre and curd prices rising by Rs20 to Rs30 per kilogramme in recent days. This week, the official rate for live chicken was set between Rs249 and Rs263 per kg, but many sellers refused to comply. Chicken meat was officially priced at Rs381, yet it was commonly sold for between Rs480 and Rs530 per kg, with boneless chicken reaching as high as Rs1,000. Vegetables also saw significant price disparities. A-grade soft-skin potatoes, officially priced at Rs55 to Rs60, were sold at Rs120 to Rs140 per kg. B and C-grade varieties were priced at Rs35 to Rs50, yet mixed-grade potatoes sold for up to Rs100 per kg. Sugar-free potatoes had similarly wide gaps between official and market prices. A-grade onions were officially priced at Rs35 to Rs40, but sold for up to Rs80. B-grade onions were listed at Rs27 to Rs30 and C-grade at Rs22 to Rs25, yet mixed varieties fetched Rs50 to Rs60. Tomatoes also saw price hikes, with A-grade fixed at Rs35 to Rs40 but selling for up to Rs100 per kg. Garlic and ginger prices exceeded official rates dramatically, with local garlic priced at Rs176 to Rs185 but selling for Rs250 to Rs300, and Chinese garlic fixed at Rs248 but retailing for Rs400. Thai ginger, fixed at Rs525 to Rs550, was sold at Rs650 to Rs700 per kg. Other vegetables such as brinjal, bitter gourd, spinach, zucchini, and lemon also showed large gaps between official and actual market rates. Fruits also saw excessive pricing. Apple varieties, officially listed between Rs270 and Rs430 per kg, sold for up to Rs800. Banana prices were also inflated; A-grade, officially Rs180 to Rs200 per dozen, reached Rs350 per dozen. Dates remained officially priced at Rs430 to Rs460 but were sold for Rs900 to Rs2,000. Papaya, fixed at Rs352 to Rs370, reached Rs400, while melons, watermelons, and cantaloupes all sold well above their fixed rates. Summer fruits like peaches, phalsa, apricots, mangoes, cherries, and plums also showed significant discrepancies. Peaches, fixed between Rs160 and Rs250, were sold at up to Rs350, while phalsa rose from Rs300 to Rs400. Apricots, officially priced at Rs230 to Rs240, went up to Rs450 per kg. Mangoes saw retail prices of up to Rs400 per kg despite a fixed range of Rs230 to Rs270. Meanwhile, Punjab Price Control and Commodities Management Secretary Dr Ehsan Bhutta announced that Sahulat bazaars would be established in every Tehsil across the province from next year. He said during a visit to a newly shifted fruits and vegetable market in Sheikhupura that essential commodities would be available at cheap rates with good quality throughout the year. He said 13 new markets would be opened by August by the Sahulat Bazaar Authority. The development came as the issue of shifting of the fruit and vegetable markets from Sheikhupura city areas to the newly notified location was resolved and all shops shifted. The first auction was held and the service would continue every day in the new market. The market and municipal committees have deployed their staff to address issues faced by vendors. Police have also been deployed for security. The secretary checked all shops, auction of different fruits and vegetables. He directed the staff to provide drinking water, security and lighting for facilitating the traders.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Price Control Department takes stern action against hoarders
LAHORE: The Price Control and Commodities Management Department is actively functioning and taking stern action against wholesalers in case of public complaints. Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Department Dr. Ehsan Bhutta said this while addressing the officers during his visit to the control room. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta said that the control room is registering complaints related to prices of commodities and food safety 24 hours a day. Action has been taken on more than 40 complaints in the last 24 hours. Throughout the province, there was ample stock of green spices, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes for public convenience during the three days of Eid. He said that C.M. Punjab has clearly directed that there would be no compromise to take action against traders who violate price regulations. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta said that the department's enforcement team will work closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain check and balance and also ensure compliance with price control regulations. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta further said that Model Bazars across the province of the Punjab performed well to provide commodities on control prizes. The Government of the Punjab is committed to ensure the well-being of its citizens by regulating prices of essential commodities. He said that the department's efforts are focused on key commodities. By regulating prices, the government aims to promote economic stability, protect middle-class households and support low-income families. He further said that the government's commitment to price control is a significant step towards ensuring the availability of essential commodities at fair prices. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable to price fluctuations, he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PC&CMD functioning actively: Secretary
LAHORE: The Price Control and Commodities Management Department is actively functioning and taking stern action against wholesalers in case of public complaints. Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Department Dr. Ehsan Bhutta was addressing the officers while visiting the control room. He said that the control room is registering complaints related to prices of commodities and food safety 24 hours a day. Action has been taken on more than 40 complaints in the last 24 hours. Throughout the province, there was ample stock of green spices, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes for public convenience during the three days of Eid. He said that C.M. Punjab has clearly directed that there would be no compromise to take action against traders who violate price regulations. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta said that the department's enforcement team will work closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain check and balance and also ensure compliance with price control regulations. He further said that Model Bazars in the Punjab performed well to provide commodities on control prizes. The Government of the Punjab is committed to ensure the well-being of its citizens by regulating prices of essential commodities. He said that the department's efforts are focused on key commodities. By regulating prices, the government aims to promote economic stability, protect middle-class households and support low-income families. He further said that the government's commitment to price control is a significant step towards ensuring the availability of essential commodities at fair prices. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable to price fluctuations, he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Provision of items on control price is top priority'
LAHORE: Secretary Price Control and Commodity Management Department Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has said that Govt. will not compromise on provision of quality of items on control price on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has has taken serious notice on the high price. They have directed that local administration will ensure to provide quality items on control price. They will make surprise visits to ensure quality items on control price. He was addressing during his visit to Kahna Kacha Market and Sahulat Bazar Wahdat Colony. Secretary Price Control Dr. Ehsan Bhutta had meeting in Market Committee office kahna to check computerized price machine which was out of order. He directed the Secretary market committee to get it repaired and operational immediately. He then visited sheds of Onion, Potatoes & Banana to witness boli system at spot and discussed issues with Arties. He checked cold storages of Bananas too. He desired to have the cleanliness of the whole Mandi including waste bins, sheds etc and ensured drinking water etc. He also checked computerized entry system at gate and directed to gave all entries electronically so that to minimize chances of pilferage. Secretary Market Committee assured to fulfill all directions and Deputy Director Headquarter will submit the compliance report. Later, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta also visited Sahulat Bazar Wahdat Colony. He checked shops and sahulat stalls where special discount given on 10 items before Eid. Checked washrooms cleanliness, CCTV room. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta also directed to provide drinking water and fans as lot of hot weather. He also desired to ensure cleanliness and proper security arrangements. Sahulat Bazar CEO Naveed Rafaqat, Directors and DD Faisal were present alongwith manager wahdat Colony model bazar. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
