Lahore: The Lahore district administration has launched the ‘Sanjhi Sabzi’ programme at Hair on Bedian Road to provide freshly grown vegetables free of cost, particularly to deserving citizens, under an initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz inaugurated the site, where officials briefed him on vegetable cultivation, production and arrangements for making the produce available to citizens. Assistant Commissioner President Dr Abid Mumtaz Khan Sial and other relevant officers were also present.
The deputy commissioner directed officials to ensure that the benefits of the initiative reach deserving people directly and that the distribution mechanism remains focused on public welfare.
The ‘Sanjhi Sabzi’ initiative – also described as ‘Sasti Nahi, Muft Sabzi’ (not cheap, but free vegetables) – was launched on the chief minister’s directives as a community-oriented welfare programme. The initiative was first implemented in Muzaffargarh, where seasonal vegetables were cultivated on government-owned and other available land for free distribution, before the chief minister directed deputy commissioners across Punjab to replicate the model in their respective districts.
During his visit to the Lahore site, DC Ijaz also planted a sapling and offered prayers for the development, prosperity and stability of the country. He termed the ‘Sanjhi Sabzi’ programme an important public-service initiative of the Punjab government and said its benefits must reach the people without unnecessary delays or administrative hurdles.
The initiative is part of a broader effort across Punjab to utilise available land for seasonal vegetable cultivation and strengthen access to fresh produce for vulnerable households. Similar programmes have recently been initiated in other districts, including Lodhran and Vehari.
