LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has asked the authorities to take strict action against profiteers and hoarders during Ramazan while announcing that Ramazan Nigehban cards will be given 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 the Price Control Committees to ensure effective measures to curb inflation and guarantee availability of essential commodities at notified prices.
She also ordered the removal of restrictions on market and mall timings during the holy month.
The Chief Minister said that more than 400,000 Nigehban cards had been delivered at people’s doorsteps and the distribution among all four million beneficiary families would be completed by 10th Ramazan. Under the scheme, each family will receive Rs 10,000 which can be withdrawn through ATMs.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warned that any agent or official found demanding money from the public in connection with the program would be severely punished. Officials said 167 camp sites had been established across districts to facilitate the beneficiaries.
The chief minister ordered enhanced security arrangements at mosques, bus terminals and railway stations during Ramazan along with improved sanitation measures in cities. She said relief would also be provided through Ramazan and Sahulat bazaars, where essential food items were sold at about 15 percent below market prices.
She said nearly 300 Nigehban dastarkhwans would be set up in 147 cities to provide quality meals to fasting people, adding that decoration and cleanliness drives were also conducted in city centers this month.
She emphasized that Ramazan is a month of compassion and government institutions must fulfill their responsibilities to ensure relief to citizens, especially low-income families.
Pursuant to the Chief Minister’s order, the Punjab government approved extended opening hours across the province for Ramazan, granting blanket exemption from prescribed closing times to shops, markets and restaurants to facilitate consumers and businesses during evening peak hours.
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, during Ramazan.
The decision was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with the notification issued “in excess of all previous notifications” and under powers conferred by Section 4 of the ordinance. The exception applies to the entire province, subject to sections 8 and 9 of the Act, which relate to labor welfare and employee protection.
The announcement was shared by Prime Minister’s Adviser Zeeshan Malik on social media while the department formally circulated the order to all relevant authorities for immediate implementation.
As per 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 the Norwegian Working Environment Authority has been tasked with overseeing enforcement. Presidents of Commerce and Industry across Punjab have also been informed.
Officials said the move is aimed at accommodating Ramazan shopping patterns, when commercial activity typically shifts to late evening and night hours after iftar and taraweeh prayers. Retailers and restaurant owners have long sought relaxed times during the fasting month, citing consumer convenience and seasonal demand.
