CM hails PMBMC Chairman for commitment to expand public welfare initiative
\n LAHORE
\nThe Punjab government has enhanced its budget by Rs1 billion to Rs3.5 billion from initial allocation of Rs2.5 billion to expand model bazaars in 13 districts of the province. The funds will be utilized to expand the network of Model Bazaars at 13 new locations across the province.
\nCurrently, 36 Model Bazaars operate in 24 districts, including ten in Lahore, offering a clean and organized shopping environment with daily essentials often priced below notified rates. The 13 new Model Bazaar spots are: Mandi Bahauddin, Okara, Narowal, Chiniot, Sharaqpur, Jhelum, Wazirabad, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Bhalwal, Pattoki, Jaranwala and Chunian.
\nThis approval, significantly higher than the initial Rs2.5 billion under consideration, is a major leap forward in addressing public needs and empowering communities. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif lauded the performance of Model Bazaars, saying that these bazaars were offering essential commodities at prices lower than DC-notified rates.
\n\u201cThese bazaars are a lifeline for millions, lowering the cost of living and creating jobs for the people of Punjab,\u201d the chief minister remarked. She said that the initiative would provide small business owners with affordable monthly rents starting as low as Rs10,000, fostering entrepreneurship and economic inclusivity.
\nThe chief minister also praised MNA Afzal Khokhar, who is also chairman of the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company (PMBMC), for his steadfast commitment to expanding this public welfare initiative.
\nMr Khokhar, however, said PMBMC Chief Executive Officer Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad and his team made exceptional efforts to secure the enhanced funding. Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad said he had briefed the Planning and Development (P&D) Board about the project\u2019s profile and ensuring the cabinet\u2019s approval.
\nHe said his approach included the acquisition of state land at no cost, significantly reducing project expenses and enhancing the feasibility of constructing 13 new bazaars. With an annual footfall exceeding 60 million customers, the PMBMC has become a benchmark for excellence in public service.
\nThe expansion of Model Bazaars is expected to further enhance access to affordable goods, create thousands of jobs, and uplift local economies. Beyond providing public relief, this initiative will open doors for small entrepreneurs, supporting their growth in a structured and economically viable environment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CM hails PMBMC Chairman for commitment to expand public welfare initiative LAHORE The Punjab government has enhanced its budget by Rs1 billion to Rs3.5 billion from initial allocation of Rs2.5 billion to expand model bazaars in 13 districts of the province. The funds will be utilized to expand the network of Model Bazaars at 13 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":448219,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-448190","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n