In a significant development for the province's economic landscape, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared the Sahulat Bazaars initiative a resounding success in tackling two critical challenges: soaring inflation and unemployment. The program, a cornerstone of her administration's welfare agenda, is providing direct relief to the masses while simultaneously opening up new employment avenues.
Direct Relief for the Common Citizen
Chief Minister Maryam, while chairing a high-level review meeting on the project, revealed that these specialized bazaars are offering essential commodities at prices significantly lower than the prevailing market rates. The meeting, attended by senior provincial officials including Provincial Minister for Industries Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and Chief Secretary, was informed that the price difference is substantial, offering real savings to household budgets.
The operational model is straightforward yet effective. The Punjab government has partnered with Utility Stores Corporation to ensure a steady and subsidized supply of basic necessities. These items are then sold to the public through the Sahulat Bazaars at controlled, reduced prices. This direct market intervention is designed to shield low and middle-income families from the brunt of inflationary pressures.
A Dual-Pronged Strategy: Curbing Prices and Creating Jobs
Beyond immediate price control, CM Maryam emphasized the initiative's role as a job creation engine. The establishment and daily operation of these bazaars across Punjab have generated numerous employment opportunities for local residents. From management and sales staff to logistics and security personnel, the bazaars are stimulating local economies.
The Chief Minister issued clear directives to expand the network and enhance efficiency. She instructed authorities to establish Sahulat Bazaars in every district and tehsil of Punjab, ensuring the benefits reach every corner of the province. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of maintaining impeccable standards of quality and hygiene for all products sold, ensuring that relief does not come at the cost of consumer safety.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Expansion
The review meeting served as a platform to assess the current performance and chart the future course. CM Maryam was given a detailed briefing on the bazaars' operations, supply chains, and public feedback. Satisfied with the progress, she nonetheless called for continuous monitoring and improvements to serve the public even better.
This initiative represents a proactive step by the Punjab government, led by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, to address economic hardships at the grassroots level. By merging inflation control with employment generation, the Sahulat Bazaars project aims to deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens across the province.
