Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday warned that strict and indiscriminate action would be taken against hoarders and profiteers during Ramazan.
In a statement, she said exploiting citizens in the holy month would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that enforcement measures would be finalised in a meeting scheduled for Monday.
According to Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), Ramazan is likely to begin on February 19, 2026. However, the official announcement will be made by the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee after receiving verified testimonies.
Earlier, the Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection department directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) to ensure availability of essential food items at officially notified prices across the province. Special Assistant Salma Butt said strict legal action would be taken against those involved in overcharging.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs38 billion Ramazan Relief Package for 2026. The amount will be distributed through digital bank accounts to 12.1 million families across the provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.