No ‘Ramazan Bachat Bazaras’ in Punjab, Sindh 1,000 commodities available on cheap rates at utility stores

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NAROWAL/KARACHI Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar on Friday said that unprecedented arrangements were made in the province to tackle coronavirus outbreak. He was chairing a meeting at the office of deputy commissioner Narowal to review arrangements regarding coronavirus outbreak, dengue control and wheat purchasing process. Usman Buzdar said that keeping in view the virus situation, they have decided against setting up Ramazan Bazaars in the province and cash would be transferred among needy families under the CM Ramazan Package. Meanwhile, the Sindh government, in view of the coronavirus, Friday decided to not set up ‘Ramazan Bachat Bazars’ in the province to avoid flock of customers. Sindh Minister for Agriculture Ismail Raho said that the decision had been made to contain the coronavirus spread in the province and for the protection of the people, said a press release issued here. He was of the view that there were chances of coronavirus spread if the Ramazan Bachat Bazars were established. He said the supply of fruit and vegetables would be ensured at shops and stalls, adding that the people would also be able to place online orders for fruit and vegetable on official fixed prices during in the Holy month of Ramazan. Meanwhile, it is reported from Faisalabad that more than 1,000 daily use items are available on cheap rates under relief package at utility stores, said Javaid Mushtaq, Zonal Manager Utility Stores Corporation (USC) Faisalabad Region. Talking to APP here Friday, he said that due to coronavirus pandemic, the government has announced relief package for general public. Therefore, Utility Store has started provision of daily use items including wheat flour, sugar, ghee, cocking oil, pulses, rice, tea, milk powder, dates, gram powders, etc. He said that preventive measures have been ensured at all utility stores where the people could purchase commodities of their choice by keeping social distance. Unfolding details, he said that 20-kg flour bag is available at Rs.800/-, ghee at Rs.170/- per kg, sugar at Rs.68/- per kg, cocking oil at Rs.196/- per kg, gram pulses at Rs.160/- per kg, white grams at Rs.125/- per kg, lentil pulses at Rs.130/- per kg, Maash pulses at Rs.255/- per kg, Saila rice at Rs.134/- per kg, basmati rice at Rs.135/- per kg, broken rice at Rs.73/- per kg and gram powder at rs.140/- per kg. Similarly, packet of 300 grams high-quality dates is available at Rs.80/- while Lipton team can be purchased at Rs.893/- per kg, packet milk at Rs.127/- per kg, 1500 ml bottle of Jam-e-Sheerin at Rs.395/- and 800 ml Jam Sheerin bottle at Rs.220/-. The spices are also available at 10 per discount, he added. He said that there is no shortage of essential items rather its ample stock is available at utility stores at cheaper rate.