Tollinton Market made modern meat facility, says Marriyum

LAHORE:Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has fulfilled her promise of establishing a world-class meat market in City, transforming the historic Tollinton Market into a modern, hygienic facility that meets international food safety standards.

This was stated by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb during her visit to the upgraded market and inspected the ongoing development work. She announced that all construction and renovation activities would be completed by June 30, setting a firm deadline for final touches.

Speaking on the occasion, Marriyum Aurangzeb said the newly-developed market would allow citizens to purchase meat, fish, and other food items in an environment that adheres to global hygiene and safety standards. She noted that an adjacent open drain had been completely covered to eliminate foul odor, further enhancing the cleanliness and appeal of the market.

Visitors expressed pleasant surprise and appreciation at the market’s transformation, which features modern infrastructure, installation of tuff tiles, removal of hazardous overhead wiring, and aesthetic renovations.

Clean butcher shops now display well-designed signage, giving the market a modern, international look. Upgraded systems, including sewage, drainage, and exhaust ventilation are now operational, while dedicated parking areas and pedestrian-friendly corridors have also been established to improve accessibility for shoppers.

The senior minister also directed the authorities to relocate adjacent informal settlements to designated areas to further streamline the surroundings.

Additionally, she announced plans to include a world-class fish market in the project and asked officials to submit a comprehensive plan within two days. A modern slaughterhouse has already been established, and a new quality assurance system is now in place to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. The senior minister also ordered the immediate removal of birds from the market premises and instructed the formulation of SOPs for wildlife protection.

‘This project reflects the vision of the chief minister, who took notice six months ago and today, has successfully delivered on her commitment to the people of Lahore,’ said Marriyum Aurangzeb.

‘For the first time, international standards are being implemented, allowing citizens to purchase safe, clean, and hygienic meat and food items.’ She also extended her gratitude to traders and market associations for their cooperation in the transformation process.

A monitoring system has been established to oversee the shops and food products being sold.The minister revealed that work has begun on Punjab’s first world-class fish market, and that this successful model would be replicated across the province under a public-private partnership framework.

Secretary Wildlife & Forests Mudassir Riaz, LDA DG Tahir Farooq, PFA DG Asim Iqbal, DC Lahore Syed Musa Raza, LWMC CEO Babar Sahib Din, Wasa MD Ghaffran Ahmed, and LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed were also present.