The Punjab government's recent announcement of the ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go Bazaars’ marks a major step toward enhancing access to essential goods for residents across the province.
With the approval of this initiative by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government aims to create accessible and well-organized marketplaces for food and essential items, ensuring that the public can conveniently procure their daily necessities.
This groundbreaking project not only emphasizes the accessibility of goods but also focuses on the development of local economies and the provision of employment opportunities.
What Are ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go Bazaars’?
The initiative's primary objective is to make daily necessities easily available, ensuring affordability and convenience for people living in urban and rural areas alike.
The bazaars will primarily serve as temporary outlets, ensuring that essential goods are available within reach of local populations, particularly in areas where traditional markets may not be readily accessible.
The pilot phase of this exciting project will begin in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab, with 14 designated locations identified for the setup.
- Multan Road
- Hanjarwal
- Manga Mandi
- Raiwind
- G-1 Market
- Faisal Town
- Moon Market
- Bedian Road
- E-Millat Road
- Gulshan-i-Ravi
- Shahdara
- Shadman
- Singhpura
A total of 816 stalls will be operational during this initial phase in Lahore, with plans for further expansion across the province.
The strategic positioning of these bazaars aims to maximize coverage and make it easier for local residents to access essential commodities without needing to travel long distances.
What Will Be Available at the ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go Bazaars’?
Customers can expect to find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to canned goods, dairy products, and spices.
Essential daily-use items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, and healthcare products will also be available, making it a comprehensive marketplace for the average consumer.
The uniform design of the shops will contribute to a clean and organized shopping environment, which is a key feature of the initiative.
Moreover, the government is putting emphasis on ensuring that these markets are secure and well-monitored, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
The government has committed to implementing special measures to maintain cleanliness at these sites, preventing overcrowding and ensuring a hygienic environment for both vendors and customers.
These bazaars will also have security cameras and surveillance systems, allowing for effective monitoring of any potential issues or disputes.
The Expansion Plans for Punjab’s ‘Sahulat-on-the-Go Bazaars’
Once the initial phase is successfully launched, the Punjab government plans to expand these bazaars to every tehsil across the province. This will significantly increase the number of locations, allowing even more people to benefit from the initiative.
The expanded project will help meet the growing demand for affordable goods in both urban and rural areas, addressing a significant gap in the availability of daily necessities.
During the meeting with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, the Chairman of the Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company, presented a report on the model bazaar concept.
The Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company will oversee the allocation of stalls, monitor the supply chains, and maintain the cleanliness of the sites. They will also be responsible for handling any logistical challenges that may arise during the operation of the markets.
