Punjab approves Rs47b Ramazan relief package for low-income families

Eligible families to receive Rs10,000 in cash through 'Ramazan Nighaban Card'

The Punjab government has approved a Rs47 billion Ramazan relief package, finalising a comprehensive set of measures to support low-income families during the holy month.

Under the programme, eligible families will receive Rs10,000 in cash through the newly launched Ramazan Nighaban Card. Beneficiaries will also be able to use the card to purchase essential food items at subsidised rates.

وزیراعلیٰ مریم نوازشریف کی زیر صدارت رمضان ریلیف پیکج کو حتمی شکل دے دی گئی ہے، "رمضان نگہبان کارڈ" کے ذریعے مستحقین کو 10 ہزار روپے کی فراہمی اور ہر تحصیل میں نگہبان دسترخوان "مریم کے مہمان" کا قیام وہ انقلابی اقدامات ہیں جو ہر ضرورت مند خاندان کی عزت نفس کی حفاظت یقینی بنائیں… pic.twitter.com/MkvCy2rJJd

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The package includes the establishment of Nighaban Dastarkhwan, Maryam ke Mehmaan in every tehsil, with eight free meal centres planned per tehsil to provide food to those in need during Ramazan.

A total of 136 centres have been set up across the province for the activation of the Ramazan Nighaban Card. Approvals have also been granted for ration cards, Sahulat Bazaars and other administrative arrangements linked to the initiative.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to ensure that the payment process remains simple and accessible. She also instructed authorities to reduce the prices of essential food items during Ramazan to ease the financial burden on households.

“No deserving family should feel alienated in Ramazan,” she said, adding that the package is designed to protect the dignity of vulnerable families while ensuring timely and targeted relief.