Lahore: The Punjab government has announced Rs10,000 in cash assistance for deserving families during Ramazan under the province’s largest-ever relief initiative, the Ramadan Nigehban Package.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given final approval to the Rs47 billion relief package, which aims to ease inflationary pressure during the holy month and benefit nearly 10 million people across Punjab.
Under the programme, 4.2 million deserving families will receive Rs10,000 per household, while monthly assistance for ration card holders has been increased from Rs3,000 to Rs10,000.
The government will issue more than 2 million Nigehban Cards, allowing beneficiaries to withdraw cash and purchase essential items.
How to Receive the Rs10,000
Beneficiaries can withdraw the amount through:
- Bank of Punjab (BOP) branchless banking agents
- Any ATM connected to the 1LINK network
To facilitate card activation, 136 centres will be established across the province.
The chief minister has directed district administrations to deliver Nigehban Cards door to door, ensuring that deserving families do not have to stand in queues.
In addition, eight “Nigehban Dastarkhwan” will be set up in every tehsil, where 2,000 people will be provided free iftar daily with dignity.
A total of 65 Sahulat Bazaars will remain functional in 30 districts, while temporary markets will be set up in other areas to provide essential items at subsidised rates.
To ensure transparency, a Ramadan Nigehban Dashboard has been introduced. Officials will verify cash withdrawals by contacting card holders directly to prevent misuse or corruption.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said no deserving family should feel alone during Ramazan, adding that the government stands with the underprivileged in times of need.