Lahore (Pakistan News) Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to take strict action against profiteers and hoarders during Ramazan, while announcing that Ramazan Nigehban cards will be provided to four million families across the province.
Chairing a meeting on the Ramazan relief programme, the chief minister instructed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and price control committees to ensure effective measures to curb inflation and guarantee the availability of essential commodities at notified rates. She also ordered the removal of restrictions on market and shopping centre timings during the holy month.
Ms Sharif said more than 400,000 Nigehban cards had already been delivered at people’s doorsteps and the distribution to all four million beneficiary families would be completed by the 10th of Ramazan. Under the scheme, each family will receive Rs 10,000, withdrawable through ATMs.
She warned that any agent or official found demanding money from the public in connection with the programme would face strict punishment. Authorities informed the meeting that 167 camp sites had been established across districts to facilitate beneficiaries.
The chief minister further directed enhanced security arrangements at mosques, bus terminals and railway stations during Ramazan, along with improved sanitation measures in cities. She said relief would also be provided through Ramazan and Sahulat bazaars, where essential food items were being sold at around 15pc below market rates.
Ms Sharif said nearly 300 Nigehban dastarkhwans would be set up in 147 cities to provide quality meals to fasting people, adding that special decorations and cleanliness drives were also being carried out across urban centres for the holy month.
She emphasised that Ramazan is a month of compassion and state institutions must fulfil their responsibility to ensure relief for citizens, particularly low-income families.