LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif says that the Sahulat Bazaars project is the first-of-its-kind initiative that is not only ensuring the availability of affordable and quality food items but is also creating thousands of employment opportunities across the province.

She said the project had enabled 55,000 families to earn a livelihood while 9,200 people have been provided dignified employment at 46 Sahulat Bazaars established across Punjab.

The chief minister added that the initiative helped stabilise household kitchens while easing inflationary pressure on the citizens.

According to official figures, more than 85m people have, so far, shopped at Sahulat Bazaars over the past year, purchasing goods worth Rs4.25bn. A total of 13 essential food items, including fruits and vegetables, are being provided at the wholesale rates, resulting in savings of over Rs1.1bn for consumers.

Commodities are currently being supplied through Sahulat Bazaars in Wazirabad, Chunian, Jaranwala, Chiniot, Khanewal, Bhalwal, Pattoki, Okara and Muzaffargarh.

The chief minister has set a target to open 30 additional Sahulat Bazaars by June 30 while directing the authorities to accelerate efforts to gradually establish such markets in every tehsil of the province.

The CM said the Sahulat Bazaars had made the easy availability of affordable and quality food items possible and reiterated her resolve to ensure that every citizen of Punjab had access to essential commodities at reasonable prices.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2026