Rs10 billion cost: Punjab to set up 105 Sahulat Bazaars next year

LAHORE: The Price Control and Commodities Management Punjab will complete establishment of 105 “Sahulat Bazaars” across the province with an estimated cost of Rs 10 billion by June 30, 2026.

The Planning and Development (P&D) Board has formally approved the scheme and work on it was informally launched during the current year, said Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Dr Kiran Khurshid.

She added that 85 percent of the project has already been completed within a short span of seven months, while the remaining 15 percent will be completed by the end of June.

The secretary further said that the Punjab Sahulat Bazaar project will benefit around 10 million people and create employment opportunities for approximately 15,000 individuals across the province.

Providing details of progress, she said that 48 Sahulat Bazaars in different divisions of Punjab are fully functional. Owing to their efficient operations and service delivery, the Sahulat Bazaar Authority has been awarded ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, reflecting compliance with international quality management and information security standards. She noted that these certifications demonstrate the availability of essential commodities, including food items, at affordable prices and with assured quality for the public.

Dr Kiran Khurshid said that the Sahulat Bazaar Authority has been entrusted with responsibilities related to construction monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and oversight of the quality and supply of food items. The core objective of the scheme, she emphasized, is to ensure the supply of quality, adulteration-free essential commodities to consumers at officially notified prices, from wholesale markets to end users.

She reiterated that the Punjab government would not compromise on public health under any circumstances and affirmed that strict action is being taken against the adulteration mafia, with enforcement measures being further intensified on a daily basis.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025