2 min read
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a Rs 47 billion Ramadan relief package, under which 4.2 million low-income families will receive Rs 10,000 each through Ramadan Nigehban Cards, providing major financial relief ahead of the holy month.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister to review Ramadan preparations and public welfare measures across Punjab. Under the package, nearly one crore people will benefit from direct cash assistance aimed at easing inflationary pressure during Ramadan.
According to officials, beneficiaries will not need to visit government offices. Instead, district administrations will distribute Nigehban Cards door-to-door, ensuring transparency and convenience.
Cardholders will be able to withdraw cash from Bank of Punjab ATMs, One Link network ATMs, and branchless banking agents, while purchases can also be made at designated Bank of Punjab merchant outlets. To facilitate smooth activation, 136 activation centers will be set up across the province, along with ATM-based activation facilities.
As part of the broader Ramadan relief plan, the Punjab government has also approved the CM Rashan Card, Nigehban Dastarkhwan, and Sasta Bazaars to control food prices and ensure uninterrupted supply.
Ration card holders will now receive Rs 10,000 during Ramadan, replacing the earlier Rs 3,000 monthly assistance, reflecting the government’s increased focus on targeted social protection.
Each tehsil will host eight Nigehban Dastarkhwan, titled “Maryam Ke Mehman”, serving iftar to 2,000 fasting individuals daily. The menu will include dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas, and chicken biryani.
To maintain quality and pricing, 65 Ramadan Sasta Bazaars will operate in 30 districts, alongside permanent and mobile outlets. A central monitoring room with 1,250 cameras will oversee cleanliness, security, and price regulation.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that “no deserving family should be left unsupported during Ramadan,” directing senior officials to personally monitor implementation across districts.
