In 2015, Punjab’s Model Bazaars were teetering on the edge of financial collapse, generating only Rs. 38 million annually without a structured revenue collection system. Initially conceived as a public welfare initiative to provide essential goods at affordable prices, these markets were instead becoming a financial burden, often referred to as a “white elephant.”
Recognizing the dire need for restructuring, the Punjab Government made a bold decision in 2016 to establish the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company (PMBMC), incorporating it under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
At the time of PMBMC’s incorporation, there were 20 Model Bazaars across Punjab, but they were on the brink of closure due to poor policies, mismanagement, and no structured rent collection. However, under PMBMC’s leadership, these markets underwent a radical transformation. Just one year later, PMBMC started generating profits and spearheading the expansion of Model Bazaars across the province.
PMBMC’s success is a result of several groundbreaking reforms. The introduction of a structured stall allotment system and rent collection mechanisms laid the foundation for financial stability. By leasing land for additional revenue-generating activities and empowering small business owners to set up stalls with minimal investment, PMBMC turned the tide. These initiatives not only created direct and indirect employment opportunities but also made the Model Bazaars self-sustaining, reducing their reliance on government funds.
PMBMC introduced “Day Bazaars” to foster local entrepreneurship by providing a platform for vendors to showcase handmade crafts and specialty items. This initiative, alongside policies offering discounts to widows, women, and people with disabilities, increased customer engagement and footfall. Today, these bazaars attract 60 million visitors annually, providing small businesses with opportunities to thrive while offering the public access to affordable goods.
PMBMC’s financial turnaround is evident through its income and expenditure reports. The company’s revenue skyrocketed from Rs. 38.8 million in 2015-16 to Rs. 1,545.8 million in 2023-24. Over the years, PMBMC maintained a net surplus, with its highest surplus recorded at Rs. 14.628 million in 2023-24. The company also witnessed a significant increase in its asset base, with net assets rising to Rs. 167.5 million.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global markets, yet PMBMC emerged stronger. Through meticulous planning and government support, PMBMC expanded from 20 to 36 bazaars across Punjab during the crisis. The organization not only maintained operations but also received additional state land to establish new bazaars. PMBMC’s ability to expand during such challenging times underscores its robust operational framework and forward-thinking strategies.
A key PMBMC initiative, the Sahulat Stalls, revolutionized the supply chain by bringing fresh produce directly from farmers to consumers, eliminating middlemen and reducing costs. This model has proven to be immensely successful, providing high-quality fruits, vegetables, and essential items at prices lower than government-notified rates. The Sahulat Stalls, now operational throughout Punjab, reflect PMBMC’s commitment to public welfare.
| Sr. No | Item Name | Sahulat Stall Rate | DC Lahore Notified Rate | Open Market Rate | Relief Compared to Open Market (%) |
| 1 | Potato | 79 | 82 | 109 | 21% |
| 2 | Onion | 113 | 116 | 159 | 28% |
| 3 | Tomato | 113 | 115 | 167 | 32% |
| 4 | Ginger | 608 | 619 | 852 | 29% |
| 5 | Garlic | 378 | 386 | 605 | 37% |
| 6 | Green Chilli | 100 | 105 | 162 | 38% |
| 7 | Banana | 140 | 149 | 225 | 38% |
| 8 | Apple | 273 | 283 | 395 | 31% |
| 9 | Chicken | 509 | 516 | 731 | 31% |
| 10 | Mango | 200 | 208 | 333 | 40% |
| 11 | Water Melon | 66 | 75 | 179 | 63% |
This initiative ensures affordability and strengthens the supply chain by sourcing directly from farmers and eliminating intermediaries. The Sahulat Stall program continues to deliver substantial economic relief to the public, reinforcing its status as a flagship initiative within PMBMC’s broader strategy of social welfare and economic empowerment.
In addition to the Sahulat Stalls, PMBMC also introduced affordable leisure activities in its bazaars. Families can now enjoy Joyland rides for just Rs. 10—much lower than the standard Rs. 75 charged elsewhere—making Model Bazaars more than just marketplaces but vibrant community spaces.
Beyond being a source of affordable groceries, Model Bazaars serve as a mini-emporium for middle and lower-middle-class families. They provide a well-rounded shopping experience with affordable groceries, fresh produce, household items, and leisure activities such as Joyland, all in a single location. This creates a unique and family-friendly environment, making Model Bazaars more than just a marketplace but a social hub where people can shop, relax, and enjoy their time with their families.
Additionally, Model Bazaars are a source of livelihood for approximately 60,000 families, creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities. This includes over 20,000 stalls and 16,000 outlets, each contributing to the overall economic activity in the region.
The bazaars also support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing affordable, secure spaces with facilities like free electricity, security, cleanliness, and infrastructure—allowing entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses with minimal upfront investment. This makes Model Bazaars a fertile ground for nurturing small businesses, further contributing to economic diversification and local development.
In August 2024, the Free Home Delivery initiative was launched as part of PMBMC’s broader mission to provide essential commodities to the public at prices lower than government-notified rates, directly at their doorstep. This flagship program marks a significant leap into the digital age, bringing unparalleled convenience to customers across Punjab through a dedicated mobile application.
A key aspect of this initiative is the fully operational, dedicated app that allows customers to effortlessly place orders from the comfort of their homes. The app, designed with user-friendly features, is available for both Apple (iOS) and Android platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users. This digital solution represents a major innovation in public service delivery, ensuring that even those who may not have easy access to Model Bazaars can still benefit from their affordable prices and extensive product range.
By embracing this new era of digital innovation, PMBMC has drastically enhanced customer convenience. With a few taps on their smartphones, customers can browse available items, place orders, and track deliveries in real time. The app is designed to be intuitive and efficient, catering to the needs of both tech-savvy users and those new to digital shopping platforms.
What makes this service truly remarkable is its expansive reach. The Free Home Delivery service is operational in all Model Bazaars across Punjab, ensuring that residents in both urban and rural areas can access essential goods without the need to visit a physical market. This extensive coverage is critical in a province as large as Punjab, where transportation costs and accessibility can pose significant challenges for families living in more remote regions.
The availability of this service throughout the province demonstrates PMBMC’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to essential commodities. Whether a customer lives in a bustling city like Lahore or a smaller town, they can rely on the app to receive their groceries and daily necessities at even lower prices than government-notified rates, delivered straight to their door.
This digital innovation not only brings convenience but also represents a shift toward a more modern and efficient way of providing public services. The app’s functionalities extend beyond simple ordering, offering features such as real-time tracking, order history, and even personalized shopping recommendations based on customer preferences. By leveraging technology, PMBMC ensures that the shopping experience is seamless, fast, and accessible, setting a new standard for public welfare initiatives in Pakistan.
The introduction of this app also aligns with global trends of digital transformation in public service delivery, making it a state-of-the-art solution for the people of Punjab. It serves as a model for how government-backed initiatives can integrate technology to solve real-world problems, particularly in times of economic hardship.
In the context of rising inflation and financial pressures, the Free Home Delivery service is not just about convenience—it’s a lifeline. By offering groceries and daily essentials at significantly reduced prices, PMBMC’s initiative provides crucial financial relief to families across the province. The app ensures that this relief reaches every corner of Punjab, without the added burden of transportation costs or long commutes to physical markets.
This state-of-the-art service is a direct response to the economic needs of the public, offering a significant economic relief chunk to households struggling with rising living costs. The initiative has been warmly received by the public, with its affordable, accessible, and reliable nature transforming the way essential goods are delivered in Punjab.
PMBMC’s success has been strongly endorsed by the government, which allocated Rs. 2.5 billion for further expansion of Model Bazaars across Punjab. This funding will facilitate the construction and expansion of bazaars in additional cities and districts. The Board of Revenue (BOR) has already transferred state land for these new projects in key locations such as Muzaffargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Bhalwal, Okara, Narowal, Chiniot, Khanewal, Chunian, Pattoki, Wazirabad, Sharaqpur, Jhelum, and Jaranwala. The government’s continued support is a testament to PMBMC’s outstanding performance and its potential for further growth.
By 2025, the company plans to operate over 50 bazaars, further cementing its role as a critical player in public welfare and economic empowerment.
PMBMC has invested around Rs. 100 million in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, organizing cultural events such as Eid Galas, Azadi Galas, and student art competitions. These activities not only enrich the community but also highlight PMBMC’s role as a socially responsible entity. The company has also launched a centralized complaint helpline, ensuring swift redressal of customer issues and further strengthening its public service mandate.
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, PMBMC initiated a solarization project at the Township Model Bazaar, installing a 200KW solar system. This project marks a shift towards cleaner energy and reduced dependency on fossil fuels. The energy produced not only powers the bazaar but also contributes excess power to the grid, making the Model Bazaars a pioneer in sustainable public markets.
PMBMC’s infrastructural improvements include replacing traditional charpais and tents with modern Textile Fabric Structures. These are designed to be heatproof, waterproof, and fireproof, providing a safer and more comfortable environment for both customers and vendors.
Unlike many government welfare projects that rely on continuous public funding, PMBMC has achieved financial self-sufficiency. The bazaars cover their operational expenses through internally generated revenue, with the government’s role limited to providing development funds for new projects. This zero-dependence on regular government funding has made the Model Bazaars a model of financial independence and sustainability.
Through its Free Home Delivery initiative and the introduction of a dedicated, operational app, PMBMC has set a new benchmark for public service delivery in Punjab. This initiative combines the power of digital innovation with the company’s deep-rooted mission of public welfare, ensuring that families can access essential commodities at prices lower than anywhere else in the market—all from the convenience of their homes. With the app fully functional across the province and available on both Apple and Android platforms, PMBMC has firmly positioned itself as a leader in digital public services, bringing relief and convenience to millions of households.
This project not only reflects a commitment to digital transformation but also demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to create inclusive, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for the general public. As it continues to expand its services, PMBMC is paving the way for the future of public welfare, one that is driven by innovation, accessibility, and genuine care for the people.
In summary, PMBMC’s Model Bazaars, particularly through the Sahulat Stall initiative and Free Home Delivery service, have become a cornerstone of the government’s public welfare strategy. By providing a sustainable platform for small businesses, creating thousands of jobs, and ensuring affordable access to essential goods, Model Bazaars have proven to be an innovative solution to current economic challenges.
The initiative has not only alleviated the financial burden on families but has also established a robust, self-sustaining economic model that supports both public welfare and local entrepreneurship. As PMBMC continues to expand its reach and impact, it stands as a flagship example of successful public-private collaboration, driving social welfare and economic empowerment for the people of Punjab.