Providing relief to people top priority: chief secretary

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Feb, 2026) The Punjab government has decided to rank all districts based on their performance with regard to price control measures in order to provide maximum relief to the public during the holy month of Ramazan.

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman presided over the meeting which reviewed prices and availability of

16 essential commodities across the province here on Thursday.

The Chief Secretary also directed the Divisional Commissioner to immediately identify a suitable location for establishing a new vegetable market in Rawalpindi.

The chief secretary stated that the Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, had appreciated the administration’s performance so far in controlling prices. However, she instructed officials to continue working with the same dedication and commitment, as providing relief to the public remains the government’s top priority, he added.

During the meeting, officials briefed participants that due to effective administrative measures, a downward trend in the prices of food items had been observed across the province.

So far, more than 4.75 million people have benefited from the “Nigehban Ramadan Bazaars.”

Through these bazaars, direct financial relief amounting to Rs 4,27,00,000 had been provided to the public.

Flour, sugar, chicken and vegetables are available in these bazaars at lower prices compared to the open market.

Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department Secretary informed the meeting that 421 “Nigehban Ramadan Dastarkhwan” centers were currently operational across the province, where arrangements for 'Iftar' were being made daily for more than 125,000 people.

To ensure the continued supply of flour in the open market, the distribution of more than 976,000 flour bags had been ensured.

Crackdown against profiteers had been intensified. So far, during more than 75,000 inspections, 73 FIRs had been registered and 650 individuals had been arrested.