LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered authorities to take strict action against profiteers and hoarders during Ramazan, while announcing that Ramazan Nigehban cards would be provided to four million families across the province.
Chairing a meeting on the Ramazan relief package, the chief minister directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and price control committees to ensure effective measures to curb inflation and ensure availability of essential commodities at the notified rates.
She also ordered the removal of restrictions on market and shopping center hours during the holy month.
The chief minister said that over 400,000 Nigehban cards have been distributed at people’s doorsteps and the distribution among the four million beneficiary families would be completed by 10th of Ramazan. Under the scheme, each family will receive Rs 10,000, which can be withdrawn through automated teller machines (ATMs).
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warned that any agent or official caught demanding money from the public under the scheme would be severely punished. Officials said 167 camps have been set up in the districts to help the beneficiaries.
The chief minister ordered enhanced security measures at mosques, bus stations and railway stations during Ramazan, as well as improved sanitation measures in cities. She added that relief would also be provided through Ramazan and Sahulat bazaars, where essential food items were being sold at about 15 percent less than market prices.
She said nearly 300 Nigehban dastarkhwans would be set up in 147 towns to provide quality meals to fasting people, adding that decoration and cleanliness drives were also being carried out in urban centers during the month.
She stressed that Ramazan is a month of compassion and state institutions must fulfill their responsibility to ensure assistance to citizens, especially low-income families.
In line with the Chief Minister’s order, the Punjab government has approved extended opening hours across the province for Ramazan, granting general exemption from prescribed closing hours to shops, markets and restaurants to facilitate consumers and businesses during evening peak hours.
According to a notification issued by the labor and human resources department, all establishments in the province, including shops, malls, supermarkets, chain stores and restaurants, will be exempted from the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 7 of the Punjab Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1969, for the duration of Ramazan.
The decision was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with the notification issued “in supersede of all previous notifications” and under the powers conferred by Section 4 of the Ordinance. The exemption applies province-wide, subject to compliance with sections 8 and 9 of the law, which concern labor welfare and employee protection.
The notification was shared by Chief Minister’s Advisor Zeeshan Malik on social media, while the department officially circulated the order to all relevant authorities for immediate implementation.
Under the directive, all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and labor protection officers have been directed to ensure compliance “in letter and spirit”. The general director of labor protection was tasked with supervising the implementation of the law. Presidents of Punjab Chambers of Commerce and Industry were also informed.
Officials said the move was aimed at accommodating shopping patterns during Ramazan, when commercial activity typically shifts late into the evening and overnight after Iftar and Taraweeh prayers. Retailers and restaurateurs have long sought more relaxed hours during the fasting month, citing consumer convenience and seasonal demand.
