The district administration cites severe financial constraints as the markets are wound down
RAWALPINDI
Due to severe financial and economic crisis, the district administration has decided not to set up subsidized 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 subsidized Ramazan bazaars are established in Rawalpindi city, while 27 such bazaars operate across Rawalpindi Division. These subsidized Ramazan bazaars, which had been held continuously for the past 46 years, have now been completely abolished.
This year, no subsidized Ramazan bazaar will be established anywhere in the city of Rawalpindi or across the division at the official level. Publicly run subsidized Friday bazaars have also been phased out. Weekly markets in Rawalpindi’s suburbs, 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official duties related to the control and monitoring of government departments at these bazaars have also been withdrawn.
In the places previously designated as subsidized 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 in these markets.
Utility Stores will also not function during Ramazan this year, which is expected to cause severe difficulties for fasting people in purchasing vegetables, fruits, groceries, gram, dates, food items and essential commodities.
Instead of subsidized Ramazan bazaars, the government has decided to give 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 big shops.
