Punjab Ramadan Relief Package 2026 Overview
The Punjab government has announced a large-scale Ramadan relief package worth Rs. 47 billion to support low-income families during the holy month. This initiative aims to reduce financial pressure caused by rising food prices and increased household expenses in Ramadan. The relief package is one of the biggest social support efforts launched by the provincial government in recent years.
The program is designed to provide direct cash assistance and affordable food options without forcing beneficiaries to visit government offices. By combining financial aid, ration support, subsidized markets, and free iftar arrangements, the Punjab Ramadan Relief Package 2026 focuses on dignity, ease, and transparency for deserving households.
- Direct cash support through Nigehban Cards
- Free iftar arrangements and subsidized food markets
- Province-wide monitoring to ensure fair implementation
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Rs. 47 Billion Approval Under CM Maryam Nawaz
The decision to approve the Rs. 47 billion Ramadan relief package was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed preparations related to food supply, price control, and relief initiatives across Punjab ahead of Ramadan. The chief minister emphasized that relief must reach people directly and without delays.
پنجاب حکومت نے رمضان المبارک کے دوران مستحق خاندانوں کو ریلیف فراہم کرنے کے لیے 47 ارب روپے کے بڑے پیکج کی منظوری دی ہے، جس کے تحت نگران کارڈ کے ذریعے 42 لاکھ کم آمدنی والے گھرانوں کو 10 ہزار روپے فی خاندان دیے جائیں گے۔ اس اقدام سے صوبے بھر میں تقریباً ایک کروڑ افراد مستفید ہوں گے، جبکہ کارڈز کی تقسیم گھر گھر کی جائے گی تاکہ شہریوں کو دفاتر کے چکر نہ لگانے پڑیں۔ اس کے ساتھ سستے بازار، نگران دسترخوان اور راشن کارڈ اسکیم کو بھی مؤثر بنایا گیا ہے تاکہ رمضان میں اشیائے ضروریہ کی فراہمی، مناسب قیمتیں اور عوامی سہولت کو یقینی بنایا جا سکے۔
The government’s approach reflects a shift toward doorstep delivery and digital payment systems to avoid overcrowding at offices. Special instructions were issued to district administrations to ensure smooth execution and full accountability during the distribution process.
- Approval of multiple relief components in one package
- Strict administrative oversight at district and tehsil levels
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Nigehban Card Financial Assistance for Families
Under the Punjab Ramadan Relief Package 2026, 4.2 million deserving families will receive Rs. 10,000 each through the Ramadan Nigehban Card. This direct cash assistance will benefit nearly one crore people across the province, helping them manage essential expenses during Ramadan.
The Nigehban Card system ensures transparency and convenience, allowing families to withdraw cash or make purchases easily. The focus is on empowering households to decide how best to use the funds according to their needs.
- Rs. 10,000 per family as one-time Ramadan assistance
- Coverage of 42 lakh households across Punjab
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Distribution and Activation of Nigehban Cards
To make the process easier, beneficiaries will not need to visit government offices. District administrations will distribute Nigehban Cards door to door in their respective areas. This method reduces travel costs, saves time, and ensures that elderly and vulnerable individuals are not excluded.
For activation, 136 activation centers will be set up across Punjab. Cardholders can also activate their cards using Bank of Punjab ATMs, making the system accessible even in areas with limited facilities.
- Door-to-door card distribution
- Activation via ATMs and designated centers
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Cash Withdrawal and Usage Options
Once activated, Nigehban Cards can be used to withdraw cash through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and One Link network ATMs. This wide network ensures that beneficiaries can access funds close to their homes without difficulty.
In addition to cash withdrawals, cardholders can use the Nigehban Card to make purchases from designated Bank of Punjab merchant outlets. This flexibility allows families to choose between withdrawing cash or buying essential goods directly.
- Cash withdrawal through ATMs and agents
- Purchases at approved merchant outlets
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CM Rashan Card and Increased Aid for Ration Holders
Alongside the Nigehban Card, the chief minister approved the CM Rashan Card as part of the broader Ramadan relief plan. This initiative focuses on supporting families already registered under ration schemes with enhanced financial assistance.
Ration card holders across Punjab will now receive Rs. 10,000 during Ramadan instead of the earlier monthly amount of Rs. 3,000. This increase reflects the government’s response to inflation and higher food costs.
- Replacement of monthly aid with Ramadan lump-sum support
- Integration with existing ration systems
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Nigehban Dastarkhwan “Maryam Ke Mehman” Initiative
As part of the Ramadan food initiative, eight Nigehban Dastarkhwan titled “Maryam Ke Mehman” will be established in every tehsil. Each Dastarkhwan will provide free iftar to 2,000 fasting individuals daily, ensuring food security for those in need.
These dastarkhwans aim to promote community support and social solidarity during Ramadan. Officials have been directed to personally supervise arrangements to maintain quality, hygiene, and discipline.
- Eight dastarkhwans per tehsil
- Free iftar for thousands of fasting people daily
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Iftar Menu and Administrative Monitoring
The standardized iftar menu will include dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas, and chicken biryani. This ensures consistency and nutritional value across all locations while maintaining cultural preferences.
Commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners will monitor the arrangements. Their involvement ensures transparency, cleanliness, and uninterrupted service throughout Ramadan.
- Uniform iftar menu across Punjab
- Senior officials responsible for oversight
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Expansion of Sasta Bazaars Across Punjab
To control prices and provide affordable essentials, 65 Sasta Bazaars will operate in 30 districts during Ramadan. These will be supported by 50 permanent Sasta Bazaars and 15 Sasta on the Go outlets for mobile access.
Temporary Ramadan Sasta Bazaars will also be set up in the remaining 11 districts. The chief minister has ordered immediate identification of land for new bazaars in 60 tehsils to expand coverage.
- Permanent, mobile, and temporary Sasta Bazaars
- Province-wide access to subsidized goods
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Monitoring System and Essential Supply Stalls
A provincial monitoring room equipped with 1,250 cameras will oversee pricing, cleanliness, security, and daily operations at Sasta Bazaars. This digital monitoring system aims to prevent overcharging and ensure smooth operations.
Dedicated stalls for flour mills, chicken suppliers, grocery traders, and ghee mills associations will be established. These stalls will help maintain an uninterrupted supply of essential items during Ramadan.
- Real-time monitoring through surveillance cameras
- Guaranteed supply of essential commodities
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Key Features of Punjab Ramadan Relief Package 2026
| Relief Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | Rs. 47 Billion |
| Cash Assistance | Rs. 10,000 per family |
| Beneficiary Families | 4.2 Million |
| Distribution Method | Nigehban Card |
| Free Iftar | 8 Dastarkhwans per tehsil |
Cash Access and Usage Summary
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| ATM Withdrawal | Bank of Punjab & One Link |
| Branchless Banking | Bank of Punjab agents |
| Merchant Purchases | Designated BOP outlets |
| Card Activation | ATMs & 136 centers |
Conclusion
The Punjab Ramadan Relief Package 2026 is a comprehensive effort to support low-income families during the holy month. By combining direct cash assistance, free iftar arrangements, and subsidized food markets, the government aims to protect vulnerable households from inflation and food insecurity.
With strict monitoring, digital payments, and doorstep delivery, this relief package reflects a people-centered approach. It not only provides financial support but also ensures dignity, convenience, and transparency for millions across Punjab.
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FAQs
Who is eligible for the Punjab Ramadan Relief Package 2026?
Low-income families identified by the provincial government and ration card holders across Punjab are eligible for this Ramadan relief assistance.
How much cash will families receive through the Nigehban Card?
Each eligible family will receive Rs. 10,000 as one-time financial support during Ramadan.
Do beneficiaries need to visit government offices to get the card?
No, Nigehban Cards will be distributed door to door by district administrations.
Where can Nigehban Card holders withdraw cash?
Cash can be withdrawn through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and One Link network ATMs.
What are Nigehban Dastarkhwan “Maryam Ke Mehman”?
These are free iftar centers set up in every tehsil to provide meals to fasting individuals daily during Ramadan.
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