Punjab CM heaps praise on Sahulat Bazaar project

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that her government’s Sahulat Bazaars project is a unique and first-of-its-kind initiative that is not only ensuring the availability of affordable and quality food items but is also creating thousands of employment opportunities across the province.

She said the project has enabled 55,000 families to earn a livelihood, while 9,200 people have been provided dignified employment at 46 Sahulat Bazaars established across Punjab. The chief minister added that the initiative has helped stabilise household kitchens while easing inflationary pressure on citizens.

According to official figures, more than 85 million people have shopped at Sahulat Bazaars over the past year, purchasing goods worth Rs4.25 billion. A total of 13 essential food items, including fruits and vegetables, are being provided at wholesale rates, resulting in savings of over Rs1.1 billion for consumers.

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

Affordable and quality commodities are currently being supplied through Sahulat Bazaars in Wazirabad, Chunian, Jaranwala, Chiniot, Khanewal, Bhalwal, Pattoki, Okara and Muzaffargarh. The chief minister has set a target to complete 30 additional Sahulat Bazaars by June 30, while directing authorities to accelerate efforts to gradually establish such markets in every tehsil of Punjab.

The chief minister said the Sahulat Bazaars have made the easy availability of affordable and quality food items possible and reiterated her resolve to ensure that every citizen of Punjab has access to essential commodities at reasonable prices.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026