Juma, Mangal, Sasta and Sahulat Bazar Guide
Pakistan's weekly bazaars are named after the day they are held: a juma bazar on Friday, a mangal bazar on Tuesday and an itwar bazar on Sunday. Alongside them, governments run low-price markets — sasta bazaars, Punjab's Sahulat Bazaars with official rate lists, and Ramzan bazaars before Ramadan. Here is what each one is and how to use it.
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The names tell you the day.
| Name | Day | Where you'll find them |
|---|---|---|
| Mangal bazar | Tuesday | Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and more |
| Juma bazar | Friday | Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala |
| Itwar (Sunday) bazar | Sunday | Almost every city — see the Sunday bazaar guide |
Juma bazar and mangal bazar
Juma and mangal bazaars set up in the same spot each week — often an open ground or a closed road — with stalls for fruit, vegetables, clothes, shoes, crockery and household goods. In Karachi, Friday and Tuesday bazaars move around neighbourhoods; in Islamabad, the big H-9 bazaar runs on several days. Ask locally for the nearest one. Sunday bazaars are covered in Sunday Bazaar Guide: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad.
Sasta bazar
Sasta (cheap) bazaars are low-price markets set up by local governments, mainly for groceries and essentials, with prices monitored by officials. They exist in Peshawar, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi and other cities, and are often expanded before Ramadan.
Sahulat bazar (Punjab)
Sahulat Bazaars are Punjab's model bazaars, run by the Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority. They sell groceries, fruit, vegetables and essentials at controlled prices, displayed on a daily rate list. There are permanent Sahulat Bazaars in many districts and mobile "Sahulat on the Go" units in some cities.
💡 Worth knowing
The Sahulat Bazar rate list is displayed at each bazaar and is updated often. Compare it with what you are charged, and complain to the bazaar management if a stall charges more.
Ramzan bazar
Before Ramadan, provincial governments set up Ramzan bazaars with discounted flour, sugar, ghee, dates, fruit and other essentials. Locations and subsidised items are announced each year. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8–9 February, subject to moon sighting.
Tips for saving money
A few habits help in any weekly or government bazaar.
- Make a list before you go.
- Check the rate list where there is one.
- Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables — they are cheapest.
- Bring bags and small notes.
- Check weight and quality before paying.
⚠️ Careful here
Days, sites and prices change with government decisions. Check the latest local announcements before you go.
More local shopping
Sunday Bazaar Guide: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad · Landa Bazar in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Pindi · How to Bargain in a Market (Without Being Rude)
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Frequently asked
What is a juma bazar?
A weekly market held on Friday (juma), with stalls for fruit, vegetables, clothes and household goods.
What is a mangal bazar?
A weekly market held on Tuesday (mangal).
What is a sasta bazar?
A low-price market set up by local government for groceries and essentials, with prices monitored by officials.
What is a Sahulat Bazar?
Punjab's model bazaars, run by the Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority, selling essentials at controlled prices from a daily rate list.
Where can I see the Sahulat Bazar rate list?
It is displayed at each Sahulat Bazaar and updated often. Check it before paying.
When do Ramzan bazaars open?
They are set up shortly before Ramadan each year. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8–9 February, subject to moon sighting.