The Punjab government has approved a Rs47 billion “Ramazan Nigehban Package” to provide relief to more than 10 million citizens during the holy month, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced on Sunday.
Under the plan, 4.2 million deserving families will receive Rs10,000 each through the newly introduced Ramazan Nigehban Card. Existing ration card holders will also see their monthly support raised from Rs3,000 to Rs10,000 for Ramazan.
Beneficiaries will be able to withdraw cash or purchase essential items through Bank of Punjab agents, 1-Link ATMs, and designated vendors, while a digital monitoring system will ensure transparency.
The government will also launch a province-wide “Nigehban Dastarkhwan—Maryam Kay Mehman” program, setting up eight daily Iftar points in every tehsil, each serving up to 2,000 people.
Meals will include biryani, samosas, dates, milk, and fruit, with the Punjab Food Authority assigned to conduct daily quality inspections.
To curb inflation, 65 Sahulat Bazaars will operate across 30 districts alongside mobile bazaars, offering subsidised flour, poultry, and groceries under real-time camera monitoring.
Citizens can verify eligibility by sending their CNIC number to 8070 before February 15 or register online via the Punjab Social Economic Registry portal.
