n a humid Thursday afternoon, the usually crowded model bazaar in Township had only a handful of families doing their shopping. Among them was Begum Ali, carefully selecting tomatoes to add to her basket. For Begum Ali, a visit to the Model Bazaar is more than just a grocery run.

“I prefer coming here whenever I get the chance,” she says. “The shopping experience here is refreshing, and it is economical too,” she says while pointing to the rate list displayed in front of a vendor’s stall.

Model Bazaars like the one in Township have gradually become part of the daily life for many families in Lahore. There are 10 such bazaars in Lahore; overall, 36 across the Punjab. These were originally designed to provide basic groceries at affordable rates. They have now become community hubs, offering a family-friendly environment and essential items at low prices.

A local favourite

Usman Badar, in charge of a Model Bazaar, says that the bazaar is much more than just a place to buy vegetables.

“By evening, this place feels like a picnic spot. Families come not only to shop but also to spend time together. You can see kids playing in the amusement area while their parents buy groceries,” he says. The bazaar, run by the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company, has become a local favourite because it offers more than just affordable goods; it also offers a pleasant shopping experience in a clean and secure environment.

The model bazaar in Township has about 500 stalls, including 40 run by women.

It is equipped with modern facilities like vast parking spaces, clean toilets and a play area for children. “What really sets these bazaars apart is that kitchen essentials are sold at government-regulated rates,” Badar says.

For shoppers like Begum Ali, it is not just the prices but the atmosphere that draws them in.

“It is calm here, unlike the dirt and chaos of some mohallah markets,” she says.

At your doorstep

The convenience of online shopping has become an integral part of the bazaar’s services. With just a few taps on a smartphone, customers can have their grocery at their doorstep.

These bazaars also offer free home delivery for those who cannot visit in person. Launched in August 2024, this service has been popular among busy families. Through a dedicated app, users can browse products, place orders and track deliveries—without leaving their homes.

Naveed Rafaqat, the PMBMC chief executive officer, says the dedicated app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app ensures that those without direct access to physical model bazaars can place orders and receive essential goods at their doorstep. This digital transformation not only simplifies the shopping process but also elevates the standard of public welfare services in Pakistan.

More than just

a bazaar

As one walks through the bazaar, the organised layout is noticeable.

There is a customer care centre and just beside it, an electronic board where shoppers can place orders for their groceries without having to walk from stall to stall.

“This system is particularly for the elderly or people with special needs,” Badar says.

The digital convenience, however, does not appeal to all.

“I’ve ordered groceries for home delivery a couple of times, but I like to be here. It is a regular grocery market, but it feels like a great place for sightseeing too,” says Begum Ali.

Badar says that while many people prefer ordering online and receiving their groceries via home delivery, there are still many who enjoy coming in person. “We are here to guide and facilitate everyone. If someone needs help carrying their groceries, we have people to help them,” he says.

Sustainable?

While people speak highly of model bazaars, there have been recent discussions about the possible closure of convenience stores, known as Utility Stores, across Pakistan. This has triggered conversations about the future of government-run markets.

But Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad says the success of model bazaars speaks for itself. Since their establishment in 2016, they have expanded to 36 locations across the Punjab, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to household items.

He says unlike other government-run subsidy programmes, model bazaars have proven self-sustaining while providing affordable goods.

He says that in addition to serving shoppers, the model bazaars are a hub for small businesses, supporting 60,000 families through direct and indirect employment. The bazaars offer affordable stalls with rents 30 percent to 60 percent below market rates, besides free electricity, security and utilities.

“These features help vendors keep their costs low. With over 20,000 stalls and 16,000 outlets across the Punjab, these markets are not only a place for customers to find essentials but also a vital economic resource for local entrepreneurs and small businesses,” he says.

Naveed Rafaqat says financial data on Utility Stores Corporation and PMBMC should be a guide. He says that the financial growth of the company over the years has proved it to be a sustainable business model.

“When we started in 2015-2016, we generated Rs 38.8 million. Now in 2023-2024, we have reached Rs 1.5 billion. This growth in revenue speaks volumes of the success of model bazaars in meeting the needs of the public while maintaining financial sustainability. The net surplus, which stood at a deficit of Rs 14.31 million in 2015-2016, has improved to a surplus of Rs 14.628 million by 2023-2024,” he says.

With a solid financial foundation and continued operational efficiency, PMBMC’s model bazaars are becoming a healthy part of the Punjab’s economy.

The writer is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship