*Shahbaz continues his surprise visits to Ramazan bazaars to ensure quality and quantity of edibles
Aim of setting up of Ramazan bazaars is to provide edibles to the masses at subsidised rates, said Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while talking to journalists, during his visit to the Peoples Colony Ramazan Bazaar Gujranwala on Saturday. Gujranwala administration was unaware of the surprise visit of the CM. The CM was returning to Lahore from Rawalpindi by helicopter and without prior programme, he directed the pilot to land helicopter in Gujranwala.
The CM went to each stall and checked the quality and prices of the items displayed at the stalls. He inquired from the people about the prices and quality of the essential items upon which, people told the CM that quality essential items, vegetables and fruits are available in Ramazan bazaars at reasonable rates. They said that due to the visits of CM, quality of the items has improved in Ramazan bazaars and prices have stabilised.
Shahbaz weighed a flour bag to check the quantity of flour in it which was correct. The CM was told that 10kg flour bag is available in abundance at Rs 310 per bag in Ramazan bazaars and the quality of flour is also better. After that the CM visited the Shaheenabad Ramazan Bazaar, inspected every stall and checked the prices and quality of edibles. The CM especially checked the stalls of flour and sugar. Taking notice of excess moisture in flour bag, the CM issued orders to seal the Muzaffar Flour Mill concerned.
The CM directed to remove the restriction of provision of 1kg sugar to one person in Ramazan bazaar and ordered to provide 2kg sugar per consumer, upon which the people appreciated this step of the CM. Talking to journalists on the occasion, Shahbaz said that the arrangements in Ramazan bazaars of Gujranwala are better and appreciable than Kasur and Okara. He directed that besides Ramazan bazaars, officials of all districts should also keep a vigilant eye on the prices of edibles in open market. He said that the profiteers and hoarders should not expect any leniency from him. Ten kg flour bag at Rs 310, sugar at Rs 45 per kg, chicken meat at least 20 rupees less than the market and eggs Rs 12 less per dozen are being sold in Ramazan bazaars. The CM expressed satisfaction over the quality and prices of vegetables, fruits and other edibles in Ramazan bazaars of Gujranwala.