Islamabad, Nov 5: In order to provide necessities at lower prices and provide a safe environment for small enterprises, the Punjab government has approved a budget of Rs. 3.433 billion to open Model Bazaars in 13 towns.
With basic necessities frequently priced below regulated rates, 36 Model Bazaars currently operate in 24 districts, including 10 in Lahore. They provide a neat and orderly shopping environment.
Model bazaars are now hubs for small business owners rather than only being markets. Aspiring entrepreneurs can put up stalls with free electricity, parking, security, and sanitation for a small monthly cost of Rs. 7,500 with as little as Rs. 10,000. Because of this encouraging framework, Model Bazaars are now a popular choice for people wishing to launch or grow their enterprises.
Originally, the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company (PMBMC) requested Rs. 2.5 billion for ten cities. Following a thorough business model review, the proposal was expanded to 13 cities, resulting in an increased allocation of Rs. 3.433 billion.
The cities earmarked for these new Model Bazaars include:
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Okara
- Narowal
- Chiniot
- Sharaqpur
- Jhelum
- Wazirabad
- Khanewal
- Muzaffargarh
- Bhalwal
- Pattoki
- Jaranwala
- Chunian
The project has been authorized by the Planning & Development Board, and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has asked that the case be referred to the Provincial Cabinet for final approval.
This will guarantee that funds are released in a timely manner to meet the construction deadline.
The decision, according to PMBMC CEO Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad, is a “major milestone and a turning point” that demonstrates the government’s confidence in PMBMC’s capacity to carry out significant welfare initiatives.
Ahmad said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s order to set up bazaars in underprivileged districts demonstrates her commitment to public welfare and thanked Chairman Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, MNA, for his crucial assistance in obtaining government backing.
Ahmad went on to say that in order to speed up the process, the Board of Revenue (BOR) had already given the necessary land for these bazaars at no cost. These bazaars are expected to be completely operational by June 2025 if funding is released on time.
This ambitious Model Bazaar expansion demonstrates PMBMC’s commitment to delivering long-lasting public services without placing a financial strain on the government. With the approval of Rs. 3.433 billion, Punjab takes a major step toward improving public welfare by getting closer to providing its inhabitants with affordable, easily accessible necessities.
