Rs47bn Nigehban Aid Approved for Punjab Families
The Punjab government has approved Rs47bn Nigehban aid to support families during the holy month. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif cleared the plan to ease financial pressure on low-income households. As a result, millions will receive timely help.
The relief plan targets 4.2 million families and supports nearly 10 million people. Each eligible household will receive Rs10,000. Therefore, families can manage essential needs with dignity.
Cash Support and Easy Access
Maryam Nawaz chaired a high-level meeting on advance arrangements and public facilitation. She assured citizens that no worker, parent, or salaried household would feel ignored. She described the initiative as service, not politics.
Under the scheme, the government will issue special cards to deserving families. These cards allow cash withdrawal through Bank of Punjab agents, ATMs, and approved vendors. In addition, families can use them to buy daily necessities.
District teams will deliver cards directly to homes. Authorities have set up 136 activation centres across the province. A central digital dashboard will monitor distribution and verification calls to ensure fairness.
Food Relief and Strong Monitoring
The chief minister approved the continuation of ration cards, community kitchens, and discounted markets. Cardholders will receive Rs10,000 instead of the usual monthly support. Consequently, purchasing power will increase during the holy month.
Eight community kitchens will operate in every tehsil. Each site will serve daily iftar to 2,000 people. Officials will personally supervise operations, while food inspectors will conduct daily checks.
Sixty-five discounted markets will run in 30 districts. Mobile and temporary markets will cover additional areas. Moreover, a monitoring room with 1,250 cameras will oversee pricing, hygiene, and security.
Maryam Nawaz urged officials to serve with honesty and speed. She also encouraged well-off citizens to help people nearby. Overall, Rs47bn Nigehban aid reflects a strong push for inclusive public welfare.
