District administration cites severe economic constraints due to disruption in markets
RAWALPINDI
Due to severe financial and economic crisis, the district administration has decided not to establish subsidized Ramazan bazaars in Rawalpindi division this year.
Ramadan and Friday bazaars were first launched during the era of former President General Ziaul Haq in 1979. Every year, 16 subsidized Ramadan bazaars are established in Rawalpindi city, while 27 such bazaars operate in the entire Rawalpindi division. These subsidized Ramadan bazaars, which had been held continuously for the past 46 years, have now been completely abolished.
This year, no subsidized Ramadan bazaar will be established anywhere in Rawalpindi city or in the entire division at the official level. Government-subsidized Friday bazaars have also been suspended. Weekly markets in suburban areas of Rawalpindi, including Morgah, Kotha Kalan, Khanna Pul Side and Dhoke Hassu (Tuesday bazaars), have also been closed.
Only the Sunday bazaars continue to operate; However, official obligations related to verification and monitoring by government departments in these bazaars have also been removed.
At locations previously designated for subsidized Ramadan bazaars, traders and street vendors will be allowed to set up markets on a self-help basis. However, no government department will be involved in monitoring or working in these markets.
Utility shops will also not function during Ramadan this year, which is expected to cause serious difficulties for fasting people in purchasing vegetables, fruits, groceries, chickpea flour, dates, food and essential commodities.
Instead of subsidized Ramadan bazaars, the government has decided to provide Rs 13,000 per family under the ‘Nighaban Eid Gift’ scheme and supply red flour and sugar at official prices through special stalls set up in chowks and big shops.
