A recent survey by the Directorate General of Monitoring and Evaluation has confirmed that the Sahulat Bazaars in Punjab are delivering significant relief to consumers, with prices of 82% of items lower than open market rates. The findings were presented to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who praised the initiative and directed the establishment of additional bazaars in Lahore.
Key Survey Findings:
- Consumer Satisfaction: 88% of shoppers expressed satisfaction with product quality, while over 90% appreciated the accessibility and safety of the bazaars.
- Affordability: 82% of items are priced below market rates, providing tangible relief to households.
- Vendor Feedback: 91% of vendors in permanent bazaars are satisfied with low stall rents, and over 85% of mobile “Sahulat on the go” dealers are happy with rental arrangements and infrastructure support.
- Demographics: The initiative has seen strong female participation, with 52.4% of “Sahulat on the go” customers being women. Overall, shoppers comprised 72.6% men and 26.2% women.
Operational Footprint:
Currently, 49 permanent Sahulat Bazaars are operational across Punjab. In Lahore alone, there are 10 permanent bazaars and 15 “Sahulat on the go” mobile units. Additionally, 11 temporary Ramazan bazaars have been established across the province to meet increased demand during the holy month.
The Chief Minister commended the relevant teams for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, monitoring, and quality, and reiterated her commitment to expanding the initiative to reach more citizens.
