Ramazan-ul-Mubarak arrangements in Punjab

Lahore, Pakistan: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that supply of high quality essential items at fixed rates would be ensured to the masses during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak and arrangements have been finalized in this regard. He said that Atta would be supplied to 414 Ramazan Bazars and 512 different places in the province through trucks whereas tomatoes, potatoes and onions would also be sold at cheaper rates. He said that Ramazan Dastarkhawan would be arranged in all big and small cities as well as towns in Punjab where Aftari and food would be served to Rozadars. He said that hoarders, profiteers as well as elements involved in adulteration and short-weighing would be dealt with an iron hand and special mobile teams have already been set up to take on the spot action against offenders. He said that all commissioners, district coordination officers and concerned officers would be duty bound to ensure supply of quality essential items to the people in their respective areas and submit a daily report. Action would be taken against the officers showing negligence in this regard, he warned.

He was addressing a meeting regarding Ramzan Package and controlling prices of essential items during Ramazan ul Mubarak at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, here today. Provincial Minister Food Malik Nadeem Kamran, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, Chairman Taskforce, Chief Secretary and other concerned officers were also present. The Chief Minister said that in order to provide vegetables and fruits at concessionary rates, Arhtis would sell these items in Ramazan Bazars directly under Green Channel Scheme. He said that keeping in view the basic needs of the poor, the government would provide potatoes, tomatoes and onions at subsidized rates during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. He said that Ramazan Dasterkhawan would be arranged throughout the province with the cooperation of well-to-do persons and the places selected for this purpose would be duly publicized so that maximum number of poor persons could benefit from this programme. He directed that arrangements for at least 20 thousand persons should be made for Aftari and food in the provincial metropolis under Ramazan Dasterkhawan programme. He said that a comprehensive system should be evolved for the distribution of Sasta Atta and flour mills having good repute should be selected for this purpose so that supply of quality Atta could be ensured to the masses. He said that complaints regarding irregularities in the supply of Sasta Atta would be taken seriously and stern action would be taken against the guilty persons.

Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif further said that special teams led by ministers, advisors and provincial secretaries have been constituted which will ensure sale of essential items at fixed rates in their respective districts whereas committees comprising elected representatives would monitor prices of consumer items at district level. Similarly, he said, commissioners, deputy commissioners besides other committees would submit report to the Chief Minister on daily basis regarding supply and prices of essential items. He said that element involved in adulteration and supply of substandard items deserve no leniency and such persons would be taken to task at any cost. He said that meetings of committees set up at district level would be held at least twice a week. He said that price control magistrates have been activated across the province and they have taken up their responsibilities. He said that price lists should be displayed prominently at Ramazan Bazars and fair price shops. He said that besides provincial ministers, advisor and provincial secretaries, he would also pay surprise visits to check arrangements at different places. He made an appeal to businessmen and shopkeepers to discharge their religious and national responsibility by supplying quality essential items at the fixed rates to the masses during the holy month of Ramazan.

Earlier, Chief Secretary informed the meeting that arrangements have been finalized for supply of consumer items to the people during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak and all commissioners and DCOs have made comprehensive planning for this purpose in their respective areas. The meeting was informed that 10 thousand tons sugar has been acquired for Ramazan whereas negotiations are being held with sugar mills for a further 20 thousand tons sugar. It was informed that chicken and Ghee would also be sold in Ramazan Bazars at concessionary rates. The meeting also gave approval to the design of special shopper bags of Sasta Atta and sugar.