LAHORE: Punjab government has directed all deputy commissioners to ensure doorstep delivery of ATM cards to 4.2 million deserving families and strictly enforce official prices during Ramazan. Each family will be entitled to withdraw Rs10,000 as part of the relief initiative.
The direction was issued by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman at the civil secretariat. The government has launched a Rs47 billion Ramazan Nigehban relief and price control package ahead of the holy month. Around 1.2 million cards have already been dispatched to districts, with the full process expected to be completed by March 1.
During a meeting attended by finance secretary Mujahid Sherdil, IGP Punjab Abdul Karim, FS&CP secretary Dr Kiran Khurshid, Bank of Punjab president, divisional commissioners, regional police officers, deputy commissioners, and district police officers, officials reviewed security arrangements, price control measures, and implementation of the Ramazan package.
The chief secretary instructed deputy commissioners to enforce official prices, take strict action against profiteers and hoarders, and personally supervise wholesale market auctions. Price control magistrates were directed to remain active in the field, especially for fruits and vegetables, while district administrations were asked to fully facilitate Iftar Dastarkhwans.
On security, fool-proof plans were ordered for mosques and imambargahs, including CCTV surveillance and walk-through gates at sensitive locations. The IGP confirmed that Safe Cities Authority cameras would remain fully operational and police deployment would be increased during Iftar and Taraweeh prayers.
Dr Khurshid stated that Ramazan bazaars in Sahulat bazaars would open from February 14, providing flour, fruits, and vegetables at subsidized rates. She also highlighted that operations against hoarders have intensified, with 510 locations checked and 853.6 metric tonnes of food items worth Rs118.07 million recovered.