Maryam orders comprehensive campaign against price hike

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a comprehensive campaign against price hike in the province during Ramazan, with strict monitoring of essential food items supply and demand, and stern action against hoarding.

Chairing a video-linked meeting with commissioners and deputy commissioners, she directed that official price lists be prominently displayed at shops for customers convenience.

The chief minister instructed the chief secretary to personally supervise the campaign, and that quality of food items must be ensured. She also sought a daily report on the prices of essential goods.

Maryam Nawaz directed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to keep a close watch on the prices of bread and flour. She also asked the food authority to ensure quality of food items. “Supply and prices of fruits and vegetables will be strictly monitored during Ramazan,” she said, adding, “Effective legal action should be taken against those who jack up prices of fruits and vegetables.” She emphasised that Ramazan is the month of blessing and mercy, so the business community should feel for the poor.

The chief minister said, “Prices of goods are reduced during Ramazan all over the world, we should also voluntarily reduce our prices.” She added, “Supply of quality goods at lower than market prices should be ensured in ‘Sahulat Bazaars,’ across the province.”

Maryam Nawaz said, “I am checking the prices of food items myself on dashboard every day.” She added, “Indiscriminate action should be taken against profiteers and hoarders during Ramazan. No negligence in the campaign against price hike during Ramazan will be tolerated at any level.”

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her message on the arrival of Ramazan, extended greetings to the people of the province and the Muslim Ummah.

“Happy Ramazan to the people of Punjab and the entire Muslim Ummah,” she said, adding, “We are grateful to Allah Almighty for receiving the blessing of Ramazan once again in our lives.”

She said, “Ramazan teaches patience, piety, and sacrifice. This month is the season of Allah’s mercy, blessings, and forgiveness, prayers are accepted.” She prayed Ramazan bring a message of peace, progress, and prosperity for Pakistan.

The chief minister said for the first time in the country’s history, millions of needy families were provided ration at their doorsteps under the Nigahban Ramazan Package 2024. She added, “Queues for ration were eliminated in Punjab, the state itself delivered relief packages to the doorsteps of the needy. Under Nigahban Ramazan Package 2025, financial assistance of Rs31 billion is being delivered directly to the homes of deserving families.”

She added, “Rs10,000 is being given to economically deprived families during Ramazan so that they could fulfill their needs with dignity and respect.”

She underscored that Sahulat Ramazan Bazaars have been established across Punjab for the convenience of people, and officers have been assigned field duties. Maryam Nawaz said, “Ramazan is not just a month of worship, but also a month of holding hands of the needy and fulfilling their needs.” She added, “Resourceful people should take care of the needy people around them.”