Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Ms. Salma Butt, paid a special visit to District Khushab.
During the visit, Ms. Salma Butt inspected the Ramazan Sasta Bazaar, the general market, and the encashment center. On this occasion, she checked the prices and quality of essential food items available in the Ramazan Sasta Bazaar and the open market.
Deputy Commissioner Khushab Dr. Jahanzeb Hussain Laber and other administrative officers accompanied her during the visit.
The Special Assistant also interacted with citizens who had come to the markets for shopping and inquired about the prices of essential commodities. She stated that essential items are being provided in Ramazan Sasta Bazaars at 10 percent lower prices compared to the open market. She added that beef is available at Rs. 900 per kilogram while mutton is being sold at Rs. 1,800 per kilogram.
Addressing a press conference, Ms. Salma Butt said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is deeply concerned about providing relief to the common people during the holy month of Ramazan. She said that the Chief Minister reviews the dashboard regarding the prices of essential commodities on a daily basis and issues timely orders against overcharging and artificial price hikes in any district.
She further stated that on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, financial assistance is being provided to deserving individuals under the Nigehban Card program. The main objective of the Nigehban Card is to ensure that citizens’ dignity remains intact and that financial support reaches them respectfully at their doorstep.
Ms. Salma Butt said that so far, 28,000 families in District Khushab have received Rs. 10,000 each, and 95 percent of deserving individuals have already received their payments. She added that the Nigehban Card process has been completed up to 95 percent. For the withdrawal of funds through the Nigehban Card, camp offices and activation centers of different banks have been established in all four tehsils of District Khushab.
She further stated that 75 Ramazan Sasta Bazaars have been established across the province where people are being provided with quality essential items at prices 5 to 10 percent lower than the fixed market rates. Citizens can also purchase essential commodities online from these bazaars.
Ms. Salma Butt added that another important initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif during Ramazan is the establishment of Ramazan Dastarkhwans, where millions of people across the province are being provided with Iftar under the supervision of the district administration. In District Khushab, 10 Nigehban Ramazan Dastarkhwans have been established. Special Dastarkhwans have also been set up outside hospitals so that attendants of patients can receive quality Iftar meals.
She said that to control the prices of essential commodities, more than 80 price magistrates and para force personnel are actively monitoring the markets. During the month of Ramazan, 35,000 inspections have been carried out in District Khushab. Fines amounting to Rs. 485,000 have been imposed on violators, and more than 300 profiteers have been arrested.
Ms. Salma Butt said that due to the international situation, petrol prices have increased by Rs. 55. Strict action will be taken against those who create artificial inflation under the pretext of increased petrol prices. She added that all aspects regarding the impact of petrol prices on essential commodities have been reviewed, and profiteers will be dealt with with an iron hand.
She concluded by saying that the government’s foremost responsibility is to serve the people.
