District administration cites severe economic constraints due to closure of markets
RAWALPINDI
Due to severe financial and economic crisis, the district administration has decided not to open subsidized Ramazan bazaars in Rawalpindi division this year.
The Ramazan and Friday bazaars were first started during the era of former President General Ziaul Haq in 1979. Every year, 16 subsidized Ramazan bazaars are established in Rawalpindi city, while 27 such bazaars function in Rawalpindi division. These subsidized Ramazan bazaars, which existed continuously for 46 years, have now been completely abolished.
This year, no subsidized Ramazan bazaar will be set up anywhere in Rawalpindi city or in the entire division at the official level. Government-subsidized Friday bazaars were also abolished. Weekly markets in Rawalpindi suburbs, including Morgah, Kotha Kalan, Khanna Pul Side and Dhoke Hassu (Tuesday bazaars), have also been closed.
Only the Sunday bazaars remain functional; however, official functions related to control and surveillance by government departments in these bazaars have also been removed.
At locations previously designated for subsidized Ramadan bazaars, traders, traders and street vendors will be allowed to open markets independently. However, no government department will be involved in the oversight or functions of these markets.
Utility stores will also not operate during Ramazan this year, which is expected to cause serious difficulties for fasting people to purchase vegetables, fruits, groceries, gram flour, dates, food items and essentials.
Instead of subsidized Ramazan bazaars, the government has decided to provide Rs 13,000 per family under the ‘Nighaban Eid Gift’ scheme and provide red flour and sugar at official rates through special stalls set up at chowks and department stores.
