LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered authorities to take strict action against profiteers and hoarders during Ramadan, while announcing that Ramazan Nigehban cards will be provided to four million families across the province.
Chairing a meeting on the Ramazan relief programme, 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 prices.
He also ordered the elimination of restrictions on market and shopping center hours during the holy month.
The prime minister said that more than 400,000 Nigehban cards had been delivered to people’s doorsteps and distribution among the four million beneficiary families would be completed by the 10th of Ramadan. Under the plan, each family will receive Rs 10,000, which they can withdraw through automated teller machines (ATM).
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warned that any agent or official who demanded money from the public in connection with the program would face strict punishment. Officials said 167 camps had been set up across districts to help the beneficiaries.
The prime minister ordered enhanced security measures at mosques, bus terminals and railway stations during Ramadan, along with improved health measures in cities. He said aid would also be provided through the Ramazan and Sahulat bazaars, where essential foodstuffs were sold at around 15 percent below market prices.
He said nearly 300 Nigehban dastarkhwans would be established in 147 cities to provide quality meals to fasting people, adding that decoration and cleaning drives were also being carried out in urban centres, during the month.
He stressed that Ramadan is a month of compassion and that state institutions must fulfill their responsibility to guarantee relief to citizens, especially low-income families.
In line with the Prime Minister’s order, the Punjab government approved extended business hours across the province for Ramazan, granting a blanket exemption from prescribed closing hours to shops, markets and restaurants to facilitate consumers and businesses during peak evening activity.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Labor and Human Resources, 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 Ramadan.
The decision was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the notification was issued “in lieu 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 act, which relate to workplace welfare and employee protection.
The notification was shared by Chief Minister’s Advisor Zeeshan Malik on social media, while the department formally circulated the order to all relevant authorities for immediate implementation.
According to the directive, all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and labor welfare officers have been directed to ensure compliance “in letter and spirit”. The director general of labor welfare has been tasked with monitoring compliance. The presidents of the Punjab chambers of commerce and industry have also been informed.
Officials said the move is aimed at adapting to Ramazan shopping patterns, when business activity typically shifts to the late afternoon and evening hours after iftar and taraweeh prayers. Retailers and restaurant owners have long sought relaxed hours during the fasting month, citing consumer convenience and seasonal demand.
