RAWALPINDI, Feb 23 (APP): Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM), Punjab on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Salma Butt on Monday said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Ramazan relief vision is being implemented in full spirit to protect low-income families from inflation during the holy month.
She said under the Nigahban Ramazan Package, 4.2 million families across Punjab are receiving Rs. 10,000.0 each through Nigahban Cards.
“In Rawalpindi alone, around 40,000 households are being provided financial assistance at their doorsteps to ensure convenience and dignity”, said Salma Butt.
She was talking to media after setting a detailed visit to Ramazan bazaar.
“Unlike previous ration distribution models”, she said, “the Nigahban Card empowers families to prioritize their own needs”.
The programme has been launched in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, PITB and PSCR, while district administrations are supervising distribution.
“Seven camp sites and around 2,400 branchless banking points have been established in Rawalpindi to facilitate cash withdrawal, in addition to ATM access and integration with Sahulat Bazaars and grocery stores”, she informed.
Reviewing Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars, Salma said essential commodities are being sold below notified rates. Chicken is available at Rs. 15 per kilogram less than the official rate, while a 10-kg flour bag priced at Rs. 905 in the open market is being sold at Rs. 850. Ghee and cooking oil prices have been reduced by Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 per pack, with certain categories offering Rs. 16 per litre relief. Vegetables, fruits and pulses are being sold 7 to 10 percent below notified rates. The daily footfall at the bazaar ranges between 6,000 and 7,000 shoppers.
She went on to say that under the “Maryam Ke Mehman” initiative, 16 Ramazan Dastarkhwans have been established in Rawalpindi, including seven at hospitals, serving over 7,000 people daily in collaboration with philanthropists.
She said strict enforcement is underway in open markets to curb profiteering and hoarding. During the first five days of Ramazan, 157 shops were sealed, nearly 175 arrests made and 14 FIRs registered in Rawalpindi. She reiterated zero tolerance against overcharging and illegal deductions from Nigahban Card payments, assuring immediate action on public complaints.