Category: Lahore

Lahore: On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, significant relief is being provided in the prices of flour and sugar across the province as part of the Nigahban Ramazan Package 2025.

Punjab Food Department Director General (DG) Shoaib Jadoon informed reporter that 4,871 bags of flour have been sold in the past 24 hours at special relief markets, established by the government. He added that a subsidy of Rs 20 to Rs 85 is being offered on 10-kg flour bags at these relief stalls.

In addition, over 41,000-kg sugar was sold at relief stalls in the same period, with the price fixed at Rs 130 per kg. The distribution of flour bags included 1,383 in Lahore division, 579 in Gujranwala and Gujarat, 1,198 in Rawalpindi districts, 213 in Faisalabad, 160 in Sargodha, and 301 in Sahiwal division. Similarly, 381 flour bags were sold in Multan division, 80 in Bahawalpur, and 576 in Dera Ghazi Khan districts.

The DG Food emphasised that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure availability of affordable food items for the public. The relief in flour prices is being provided directly on the instructions of the chief minister. In collaboration with the industry, various essential items are available at sahulat stalls at prices lower than the market rate, and the uninterrupted supply of sugar and flour would be ensured.

Every year, during the holy month of Ramazan, the Punjab government announces and implements a relief package for low-income and deserving families. Traditionally, this relief was provided through the establishment of Ramazan bazaars, offering specific food items at subsidised rates. Last year, however, the government deviated from this practice by distributing food hampers to low-income households.

This year, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is providing cash assistance of Rs 10,000 to 3 million low-income and deserving families under the Nigahban Ramazan Package 2025.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the federal Ramazan Package 2025, announcing that 4 million families (approximately 20 million Pakistanis) will receive Rs 5,000 per family through a digital wallet. The PM highlighted that a substantial amount of Rs 20 billion has been allocated for this year's Ramazan package, a significant increase from the Rs 7 billion allocated last year.

Lahore: Partly cloudy weather continued to prevail in the city here on Sunday while the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted similar weather conditions for the next 24 hours.

Officials said a westerly wave was hovering over several parts of the country and will remain there for a couple of days. The lowest minimum temperature in Lahore was 15°C while maximum was 20°C.

Meanwhile, the average AQI of the city was 81, which was moderate while the PM2.5 concentration was 5 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value.

Lahore: Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) on Price Control Salma Butt said that the Punjab government is committed to providing relief to people during Ramadan through coordinated efforts and strict enforcement of price control measures.

Talking to the media at Mian Plaza Model Bazaar Johar Town, here, she said that Model Bazaars have been set up under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's directives to provide relief to the public.

The SACM said that seventeen to twenty essential items, which are widely consumed, are now available at lower rates. She highlighted that the price of chicken meat has been reduced by Rs. 20-22 per kg, cooking oil has been lowered by Rs. 10 per liter, and sugar is being sold at Rs. 130 per kg.

Salma Butt revealed that around 40,000 to 50,000 people visit the Model Bazaar daily for shopping. While many are benefiting from the initiative, complaints have also been received regarding pricing and availability. Addressing concerns, she assured that, unlike previous years, there are no purchase restrictions in Model Bazaars, allowing people to buy as much as they need. She reiterated that the fundamental purpose of setting up Ramadan Bazaars is to provide the public with affordable goods. She further disclosed that financial assistance is being directly provided to 300,000 households, and pay orders are being distributed to three million families through the Bank of Punjab. Dismissing claims that Ramadan Bazaars were not being set up and that people were left helpless, she termed such reports as propaganda. Giving examples, she mentioned that potatoes are available for Rs. 50 per kg inside the bazaar while the market price is Rs. 80, and onions are being sold at Rs. 75 per kg.

Speaking about the government's strict measures against price gouging, she stated that this time, instead of imposing fines, shops found engaging in profiteering will be sealed. She acknowledged that the open market remains a major challenge, but assured that CM Maryam Nawaz has personally met with all Deputy Commissioners to address the issue. She warned that those found guilty of price manipulation will face severe consequences.

Discussing price control on sugar, she mentioned that the government has been working with sugar mills to regulate the supply. To ensure wider availability, each individual is allowed to purchase up to 5 kg of sugar at subsidized rates.

Salma Butt reaffirmed Punjab government's commitment to public welfare, stating that she did not assume this role for personal gain and will continue to work diligently. She clarified that she does not consider traders a 'mafia' but as an integral part of the economy. She warned that strict action will be taken against those engaging in profiteering and hoarding.

She said that the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) will soon become operational. This body will focus on curbing artificial inflation and will be granted magisterial powers to take direct action against price manipulators.

Lahore: Eight persons were killed and 1455 injured in 1268 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. Out of these, 619 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 836 victims with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by Rescue Medical Teams thus reducing the burden of Hospitals.

Furthermore, the analysis showed those 801 drivers, 73 underage drivers, 167 pedestrians, and 495 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics show that 255 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 311 persons placing the Provincial Capital at top of the list followed by Multan 80 in with 93 victims and at third Faisalabad with 77 RTCs and 94 victims.

According to the data 1154 motorbikes, 89 auto-rickshaws, 163 motorcars, 26 vans, 12 passenger buses, 26 truck and 105 other types of auto vehicles and carts were involved in these road traffic accidents.