LAHORE: Punjab’s first-of-its-kind Sahulat On-the-Go Bazaar initiative is being widely described as a success story, offering essential commodities at official rates while providing street vendors with a dignified and regulated livelihood.
Read More: ‘Sahulat On-the-Go Bazaar‘ emerges as major public attraction in Lahore
Launched on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the initiative seeks to ensure affordable food items for citizens and an organised business environment for vendors who previously operated on roadsides. More than 400 stalls have been allotted through a transparent balloting process, officials said.
In the first phase, 10 Sahulat On-the-Go Bazaars have become operational in Lahore at locations including Gulshan-i-Ravi, Shadman, Madar-i-Millat Road, Township, Faisal Town, Sundar Road, Kotha Pind, Madina Market, Awan Town, Valencia, Kharak Nala and Shahdara. These bazaars provide fruits, vegetables, chicken and grocery items at DC-notified rates.
پنجاب میں ملک کا پہلا منفرد “سہولت آن دی گو بازار” عوام کی توجہ کا مرکز بن گیا۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/GAB7JJcxoL
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) December 28, 2025
To facilitate shoppers, the bazaars are equipped with security arrangements, clean washrooms, sanitation services and drive-through shopping facilities. Officials said the project aims to improve both consumer convenience and the urban environment by relocating roadside vendors into dedicated spaces.
Authorities said five more bazaars would be launched in Lahore by February, while projects in areas such as Barki, Saddar, Nishtar Town, Raiwind Phase II, Moon Market and Ferozewala were nearing completion. The scope of the initiative will later be expanded to other cities across Punjab.
Street vendors have welcomed the move, expressing satisfaction that they now operate from proper stalls instead of pushcarts. “We are no longer roadside hawkers; we now have our own shops,” several vendors said, thanking the provincial government for offering a dignified alternative rather than eviction.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the initiative reflected Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a clean and organised Lahore. She stressed that true development meant supporting hardworking people and announced that similar bazaars would be established throughout Punjab.
Read More: Punjab launches new roadside food bazaars to support local communities
The Punjab Sahulat Bazaar Authority chairman said the project would reduce the need for seasonal subsidies, as affordable essentials would be available year-round.