LAHORE (MNN); The Punjab government has finalised a Rs47 billion relief package for the holy month of Ramazan aimed at providing financial and food assistance to millions of deserving families across the province.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the Ramazan Nigehban Package, under which 4.2 million low-income families, benefiting nearly 10 million people, will receive Rs10,000 each to help meet essential expenses during Ramazan.
Presiding over a high-level meeting on Ramazan preparations and public relief measures, the chief minister said no mother, father, labourer or salaried household in Punjab would be left unsupported during the holy month. She described the initiative as an act of public service and worship rather than a political move.
Under the scheme, Ramazan Nigehban Cards will be issued to eligible families, allowing them to withdraw cash through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents, One Link ATMs and authorised vendors, as well as purchase essential commodities.
The cards will be distributed by district administrations through door-to-door visits. A total of 136 activation centres have been established across the province, while card activation will also be available at Bank of Punjab ATMs. A central Ramazan Nigehban dashboard has been introduced to ensure transparency, including verification calls to beneficiaries.
The chief minister also approved the continuation of CM Rashan Cards, Nigehban Dastarkhwans and Sahulat Bazaars. Rashan cardholders will receive Rs10,000 during Ramazan, compared to the regular monthly assistance of Rs3,000.
Eight Nigehban Dastarkhwans, titled “Maryam’s Guests,” will be set up in each tehsil, providing daily iftar meals to 2,000 fasting individuals. Commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners have been directed to personally oversee the arrangements, while the Punjab Food Authority will conduct daily inspections. The iftar menu will include dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas and chicken biryani.
During Ramazan, 65 Sahulat Bazaars will operate across 30 districts, along with 50 permanent and 15 mobile on-the-go bazaars. Temporary Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars will also be established in 11 additional districts. The chief minister instructed authorities to immediately identify land for new Sahulat Bazaars in 60 tehsils.
To ensure price control, cleanliness, security and smooth operations, a provincial monitoring room equipped with 1,250 cameras will supervise all Sahulat Bazaars. Special stalls by flour mills, chicken suppliers, grocery and ghee associations will also be set up to help further reduce prices.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif urged well-off citizens to support needy people in their neighbourhoods and directed government officials to serve the public with dedication. She ordered officers to ensure uninterrupted public service during Ramazan and instructed timely completion of canal cleaning across all districts.
Expressing dissatisfaction over sanitation conditions in Sargodha, the chief minister directed the deputy commissioner to improve performance. She also praised officials for strong performance in beautification projects and commended Chairman Afzal Khokhar and his team for the successful implementation of the Sahulat Bazaar initiative.
