LAHORE — The Punjab Planning & Development Board has approved Rs3.433 billion for the model bazaars’ expansion plan into 13 cities in the province. The matter is awaiting cabinet approval by the provincial government. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed for the submission of the proposal before the cabinet to expedite funds release and align with the proposed construction timeline.
Pun-jab Model Bazaars Management Company PMBMC CEO Naveed Rafat Ahmad said this ini-tiative would enable the company to offer vital commodities several thousand rupees below the mar-ket rates while creating a safe and accessi-ble roof to facilitate small business operations. The present num-ber of 36 model bazaars stands operational in as many dis-tricts out of Punjab with 10 such in the city alone. Here, most ba-sic day-to-day com-modity prices at 10 of these in the provincial metropolis were less than the go-vernment-noti-fied price range.
These model bazaars have also become a thriving ground for novice entrepreneurs: stalls are erected within an investment of Rs 10,000. Except for the meager, almost nominal, monthly charge of Rs 7,500, all other inputs including electricity, parking and security and sanitation are free. Given these conditions, the popularity of the bazaars is no surprise when it comes to small units searching for an affordable base to grow into.
Chief Executive Naveed Rafat said the PMBMC had sought Rs2.5 billion for model bazaars in 10 cities, after due review and assessment, it enhanced the scheme to Rs3.433 billion, and raised the scope from 10 to 13 cities. New places the Model Bazaars will be introduced at Mandi Bahauddin, Okara, Narowal, Chiniot, Sharaqpur, Jhelum, Wazirabad, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Bhalwal, Pattoki, Jaranwala, and Chunian.
MNA Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, chairman of the PMBMC, has played a crucial role in gaining the government’s support for the project. CEO Ahmad highlighted the commitment of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the welfare of the public when she ordered to concentrate on the underprivileged districts.
With land already allotted by the BOR at no cost, construction is bound to move ahead rapidly with the release of funds. The PMBMC envisages that these bazaars will be fully operational by June 2025. This project will be able to provide essential items at affordable prices below the DC rates. It will give relief to consumers in times of inflation and will help both the urban and rural communities and increase economic resilience and access to necessities by the public.
