Provision of meat, fruit and vegetables: Punjab government to set up model 'sastay' bazaars

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the Punjab government has decided to set up model 'sastay' bazaars in the province for the provision of meat, fruits, vegetables and other essential items to the people at affordable rates and suitable sites in major cities are being identified for this purpose.
He also said the 'sastey' bazaars will be operated by an autonomous management society and District Co-ordination Officers will be responsible only for their supervision. He was presiding over a meeting regarding establishment of the bazaars, disclosed an official. The Chief Minister said the Punjab government is establishing model 'sastey' bazaars for the provision of quality essential items to the common man at affordable rates.
He also said the construction work of these bazaars will be outsourced and autonomous management society will be set up for operating these bazaars. "District Co-ordination Officers will be responsible for taking action against the elements involved in overcharging, sale of substandard items and short weighing. Final recommendations should be submitted to him within 24 hours after considering all aspects of theses bazaars presented by Secretary Industries," he added. He said that efforts should be made for setting up the bazaars at least on five acres of land so that people should not face any problem in purchasing essential items.
Earlier, the CM addressed the members of cabinet committee, elected representatives and heads of various departments involved in arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram. On the occasion, he commended the efforts of cabinet committee, elected representatives, Ulema, Pak Army, Rangers, administration, police and concerned departments for maintaining law and order, religious harmony and brotherhood in the province during Muharram-ul-Haram. He said maintenance of peace during Muharram-ul-Haram in the present circumstances was a challenge but the Punjab government made better security arrangement than the previous years and all institutions worked as a team, which yielded positive results and no untoward incident took place anywhere in the province.
He said all the concerned institutions set a noble example by performing their responsibilities efficiently and dedicatedly during Muharram-ul-Haram for which they deserve all credit. He also expressed gratitude to the head of the cabinet committee Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed, Minister for Law Rana Sanaullah Khan, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Inspector General Police for their tireless efforts for maintaining an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood in the province during Muharram.
"Peace and tranquility are essential for national development and prosperity. The menace of terrorism and extremism will have to be wiped out and the whole nation will have to unite on a single platform for this purpose. Pakistan can be made a haven of peace by displaying the same spirit and commitment throughout the year as has been demonstrated during Muharram-ul-Haram," he added.
He was given a detailed briefing regarding the plan, design and other matters pertaining to the proposed 'sastey' bazaars. The parliamentarians, Secretaries of Industries and Local government, Commissioners Lahore and Rawalpindi, Director General LDA, DCOs Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and other officers concerned were present.