Punjab Government Approves Rs. 47 Billion Ramadan Relief Package
The Punjab government has approved a comprehensive Ramadan Relief Package worth Rs. 47 billion to support low-income families across the 11 province. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where Ramadan preparations and public relief measures were reviewed in detail. The initiative aims to reduce financial pressure on vulnerable households during the holy month.
This Ramadan Relief Package Punjab focuses on direct financial assistance, subsidized food access, and organized iftar arrangements. By combining cash support with food and market interventions, the government plans to ensure that deserving families receive timely help without facing administrative hurdles.
- Focus on direct cash support
- Province-wide food and market relief
- Centralized monitoring for transparency
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Financial Assistance Through Nigehban Cards
Under the relief package, 4.2 million deserving households will receive Rs. 10,000 each through the Ramadan Nigehban Card. This assistance will benefit nearly one crore people across Punjab, ensuring they can manage basic household expenses during Ramadan. The use of cards is designed to promote transparency and reduce delays.
The government has emphasized that beneficiaries will not be required to visit government offices. Instead, district administrations will distribute Nigehban Cards directly to households through door-to-door visits, making the process simple and accessible for families in both urban and rural areas.
- Rs. 10,000 per family
- 4.2 million households covered
- Door-to-door card distribution
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Nigehban Card Usage and Activation Process
Cardholders will be able to withdraw cash using Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and One Link network ATMs. In addition to cash withdrawals, the Nigehban Card can be used for purchases at designated Bank of Punjab merchant outlets, offering flexibility in how assistance is utilized.
To ensure smooth activation, 136 activation centers will be established across Punjab. Beneficiaries can also activate their cards through Bank of Punjab ATMs, reducing congestion at physical centers and speeding up access to funds.
- Cash withdrawal via ATMs and agents
- Merchant payments through BOP outlets
- 136 activation centers across Punjab
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Overview of Ramadan Relief Measures
- Relief Component Details
- Total Budget Rs. 47 billion
- Cash Assistance Rs. 10,000 per household
- Beneficiary Families 4.2 million
- Distribution Method Nigehban Card
- Monitoring Provincial control room
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CM Rashan Card and Increased Ration Support
As part of the broader Ramadan Relief Package Punjab, the chief minister also approved the CM Rashan Card initiative. Ration card holders will receive Rs. 10,000 during Ramadan instead of the earlier monthly amount of Rs. 3,000, providing additional support for food purchases.
This increase reflects rising living costs and the seasonal financial burden faced by families during Ramadan. The integration of ration support with other relief measures ensures a more comprehensive safety net for low-income households.
- Increased ration support during Ramadan
- Integration with existing relief programs
- Focus on food security
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Nigehban Dastarkhwan and Iftar Arrangements
The Punjab government will establish eight Nigehban Dastarkhwans, titled “Maryam Ke Mehman,” in every tehsil. Each Dastarkhwan will provide iftar to 2,000 fasting individuals daily, ensuring access to nutritious meals throughout Ramadan.
The iftar menu will include dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas, and chicken biryani. Senior officials, including commissioners and deputy commissioners, have been directed to personally monitor arrangements to maintain quality and hygiene standards.
- Eight Dastarkhwans per tehsil
- Iftar for 2,000 people daily
- Official monitoring of arrangements
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Expansion of Sasta Bazaars and Monitoring
To control prices and ensure affordability, 65 Sasta Bazaars will operate in 30 districts, along with 50 permanent Sasta Bazaars and 15 Sasta on the Go outlets. Temporary Ramadan Sasta Bazaars will also be set up in the remaining 11 districts.
A provincial monitoring room equipped with 1,250 cameras will oversee pricing, cleanliness, and security. Dedicated stalls by flour mills, chicken suppliers, grocery traders, and ghee mills will ensure uninterrupted supply during Ramadan.
- Province-wide Sasta Bazaar network
- Real-time monitoring through cameras
- Dedicated supply chain stalls
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Ramadan Relief Package Punjab?
Low-income and deserving families identified by district administrations are eligible for assistance under this package.
How much cash assistance will each family receive?
Each selected household will receive Rs. 10,000 through the Nigehban Card during Ramadan.
How can beneficiaries withdraw or use the funds?
Funds can be withdrawn via Bank of Punjab agents, One Link ATMs, or spent at designated merchant outlets.
Will beneficiaries need to visit government offices?
No, Nigehban Cards will be distributed door to door, and activation can be done at centers or ATMs.
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