LAHORE: The Punjab government has sanctioned some Rs3.433 billion for expansion of model bazaars in 13 cities and providing essential goods at below market rates and fostering a secure platform for small businesses.

As many as 36 model bazaars are currently operating in 24 districts, including 10 in Lahore, offering an organised shopping environment with daily essentials.

The model bazaars are being operated by the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company (PMBMC), which has been shifted from the administrative control of industries department to the newly-established Punjab Price Control and Commodities Management department. Former Sargodha Commissioner Ajmal Bhatti was posted as the first secretary of the department.

The company had earlier received an approval for expansion of model bazaars in 10 cities at a cost of Rs2.5bn. However, in the meanwhile, the company also got sanction of state land free of cost by the Board of Revenue in three more cities.

Company’s CEO Naveed Rafaqat presented the model bazaars business model at a meeting at the Planning and Development Board, Punjab, that endorsed the revised financial requirement of Rs3.433bn.

Mr Rafaqat told Dawn that the new model bazaars would be established in 13 cities –Mandi Bahauddin, Okara, Narowal, Chiniot, Sharaqpur, Jhelum, Wazirabad, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Bhalwal, Pattoki, Jaranwala and Chunian.

Following technical vetting by the communication and works department, Mr Rafaqat said the summary was moved to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and approved. The matter will now be placed before the Punjab cabinet for final approval.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2024