LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to replace temporary Sahulat Bazaars with a network of permanent sahulat bazaars markets, aimed at providing essential commodities to citizens at affordable prices whole year.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority (PSBA), chaired by Authority Chairperson Muhammad Afzal Khokhar.
The meeting reviewed plans to establish new Sahulat Bazaars, expand the authority’s network and improve public access to essential commodities at govermental settled prices.
150 Permanent Sahulat Bazaars Planned Across Punjab
Under the new plan, 150 permanent Sahulat Bazaars will be established at the tehsil level across Punjab before Ramadan.
Officials said the expansion is intended to move away from temporary relief markets and create a more permanent, reliable and accessible system for consumers.
Each tehsil will have both a Sahulat Bazaar and a Sahulat-on-the-Go market under this plan. The combination of permanent and mobile-style markets is expected to increase access for people in areas where a conventional bazaar may not be easily accessible.
The Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority is responsible for establishing, monitoring, regulating and maintaining Sahulat Bazaars around the province. The authority was established under the Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority Act, 2025, after the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company was transformed into a statutory authority.
Focus on Affordable Essential Commodities
The government said that the expanded network will help more citizens purchase essential food and household items at affordable prices.
Sahulat Bazaars are designed to provide essential commodities at govermental rates while also creating an organised marketplace for small traders. The authority’s operating framework includes monitoring prices and the quality of items includes fruits, vegetables, meat and grocery products.
The move also builds on Punjab’s efforts to turn Sahulat Bazaars from seasonal Ramadan relief markets into a more structured retail network. Earlier in 2026, PSBA officials said, province was working to establish permanent markets that could operate throughout the year.
Sahulat-on-the-Go Markets to Improve Access
The inclusion of Sahulat-on-the-Go markets is intended to take essential commodities closer to residential areas and communities that may not have easy access to permanent bazaars.
The model has already been used in Punjab alongside permanent Sahulat Bazaars. In March 2026, the province had 49 fully operational permanent Sahulat Bazaars, 15 Sahulat-on-the-Go units and 11 temporary Ramadan Bazaars.
The government has also previously used Sahulat Bazaars to provide subsidised essential items during Ramadan. During Ramadan 2026, 74 bazaars were operational across Punjab, with 16 essential commodities available at concessional rates.
Government Aims to Expand Public Relief
The authority’s recent decision is aimed at improving the availability of affordable essential commodities while expanding the reach of regulated markets across Punjab.
According to the officials the authority would continue reviewing measures to strengthen the operation, coverage and facilities of Sahulat Bazaars.
The government expects the planned network of 150 permanent bazaars to provide citizens with more consistent access to essential commodities and reduce reliance on temporary markets during Ramadan.
The expansion is part of Punjab’s broader effort to provide relief to the consumer , improve market access and develop a permanent network of organised public markets all around the the province.
Leave a Reply