District administration cites severe economic constraints as markets are discontinued
RAWALPINDI
Owing to a severe financial and economic crisis, the district administration has decided not to set up subsidised Ramazan bazaars in Rawalpindi Division this year.
Ramazan and Friday bazaars were first launched during the era of former president General Ziaul Haq in 1979. Every year, 16 subsidised Ramazan bazaars are established in Rawalpindi city, while 27 such bazaars operate across Rawalpindi Division. These subsidised Ramazan bazaars, which had been held continuously for the past 46 years, have now been completely abolished.
This year, no subsidised Ramazan bazaar will be set up anywhere in Rawalpindi city or across the division at the official level. Government-run subsidised Friday bazaars have also been discontinued. Weekly markets in Rawalpindi’s suburban areas, including Morgah, Kotha Kalan, Khanna Pul Side, and Dhoke Hassu (Tuesday bazaars), have also been shut down.
Only Sunday bazaars remain functional; however, official duties related to checking and monitoring by government departments at these bazaars have also been withdrawn.
At the locations previously designated for subsidised Ramadan bazaars, shopkeepers, traders, and hawkers will be allowed to set up markets on a self-help basis. However, no government department will be involved in monitoring or duties at these markets.
Utility Stores will also not operate during Ramazan this year, which is expected to cause serious difficulties for fasting people in purchasing vegetables, fruits, grocery items, gram flour, dates, food items, and essential commodities.
Instead of subsidised Ramazan bazaars, the government has decided to provide Rs13,000 per family under the “Nighaban Eid Gift” scheme and supply red flour and sugar at official rates through special stalls set up at chowks and large shops.
