LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Model Bazaar Free Home Delivery Project in Township on Friday, highlighting new services aimed at bringing rights directly to the people’s doorsteps.

In her address, Ms Nawaz announced the commencement of free home delivery services from 36 model markets across Punjab. She assured that the areas without model markets would soon have them, with land already earmarked for new developments.

“We will build model bazaars in all cities of Punjab and upgrade the existing ones,” she said.

She praised Malik Afzal Khokhar for his effective management of the model bazaars, which now feature adequate seating, wheelchairs and special public toilets for the disabled. She also noted that food items in these bazaars were priced lower than the DC-notified rates. The chief minister called the launch of the free home delivery service as setting a new standard in public service.

“Women can now get essential items delivered to their doorsteps by making a phone call or ordering through the App,” she said.

Ms Nawaz also addressed concerns about rising costs, stating that only the PML-N government has successfully reduced prices of essential commodities. She recalled her father’s daily instructions to control the price of bread and flour and noted that the price of bread had recently decreased from Rs25 to Rs13.

On energy issues, she announced Pakistan’s largest-ever solar project in Punjab, which will provide free solar plates for consumers using up to 200 units per month and offer solar systems on easy installments for those using 200 to 500 units.

She criticised past administrations for their handling of the economy and development. She accused a previous leader of causing significant damage during their tenure and questioned the current state of development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa compared to Punjab.

She also lauded the ministers, administration and police for their efforts in maintaining law and order during Ashura, noting that drone cameras were used to monitor processions and rallies.

“I promise to continue setting new examples of development as long as I am in office,” she concluded.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2024