Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday vowed that “strict and indiscriminate action” would be taken against those hoarding or raising the prices of goods during the holy month of Ramazan.

According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the first day of Ramazan is “likely to fall” on February 19, 2026. However, the final announcement regarding the beginning of the Islamic holy month will be made by the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, the sole competent authority, based on credible witness testimonies from across the country.

“Exploiting citizens in this sacred month will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the provincial chief executive said in a post on X.

She added that directives and enforcement measures would be outlined in a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning (Monday).

The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection department (FS&CP), earlier this week, instructed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) force to ensure the availability of food items at officially notified prices across Punjab during Ramazan.

Chairing a departmental meeting regarding prices of essential commodities during Ramazan on Monday, FS&CP Special Assistant Salma Butt said the department had completed all preparations ahead of the holy month.

She said the Pera force should take strict legal action against those found involved in overcharging.

Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs38 billion Ramazan Relief Package a day prior, which will be disbursed among deserving people across the four provinces as well as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

“Rs38bn will be disbursed through digital bank accounts among 12.1 million families, without discrimination,” said the premier while addressing the ceremony of the PM Ramazan Package 2026.