As the first Iftar of Ramadan approached, a large number of citizens rushed to model bazaars in Lahore, hoping to buy essential food items at subsidized rates.
However, many shoppers at Johar Town Model Bazaar expressed disappointment, calling the Punjab government’s ‘Sasta Ramazan Bazar’ initiative a joke due to negligible price differences and inconsistent product quality.
Despite claims of affordability, citizens found that prices in model bazaars were only two to four rupees lower than regular markets. “This is not a discount; it’s an insult to the struggles of ordinary people,” a shopper lamented. Others pointed out that the quality of food items also varied, with some products failing to meet expected standards.
While the government had promised relief during Ramadan, frustrated shoppers criticized the initiative, stating that genuine price cuts and strict monitoring were needed to truly benefit the public.
