As Ramadan approaches, rising food prices and daily expenses place extra pressure on low-income households. To ease this burden, the Punjab Government has approved a massive Rs. 47 billion Ramadan support package, aimed at providing direct financial help and food relief to millions of deserving families across the province.
This article explains what the package includes, who will benefit, how assistance will be delivered, and what families should do to receive support without confusion.
What Is the Punjab Ramadan Support Package 2026
The Punjab Ramadan support package is a province-wide relief initiative approved to help poor and vulnerable families manage essential expenses during the holy month. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, focusing on Ramadan preparations and public welfare measures.
Under this package, the government has allocated Rs. 47 billion to provide cash assistance, food support, and subsidized items through multiple relief channels.
Direct Cash Assistance Through Nigehban Cards
The core component of the package is direct financial support to low-income households.
Key Cash Relief Details
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Rs. 10,000 will be provided to each eligible family
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4.2 million households will benefit
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Nearly one crore people will be covered overall
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Funds will be issued through Ramadan Nigehban Cards
This approach ensures that families can decide how best to meet their Ramadan needs.
How Families Will Receive the Nigehban Card
To avoid long queues and office visits, the government has adopted a door-to-door delivery system.
Distribution and Activation Process
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District administrations will deliver cards directly to homes
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Beneficiaries will not need to visit government offices
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Cards can be activated at 136 activation centres across Punjab
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Activation will also be available through Bank of Punjab ATMs
This system is designed to be simple, respectful, and accessible.
How to Use the Rs. 10,000 Assistance
Once activated, the Nigehban Card can be used in multiple ways.
Usage Options
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Cash withdrawal through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents
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Cash withdrawal via One Link network ATMs
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Purchases from designated Bank of Punjab merchant outlets
This flexibility allows families to choose between cash use and direct purchases.
Special Update for Ration Card Holders
As part of the Ramadan relief plan, the government has announced a temporary increase in support for ration card holders.
Instead of the usual Rs. 3,000 monthly amount, ration card holders will receive Rs. 10,000 during Ramadan, aligning them with the broader relief framework.
Nigehban Dastarkhwan – Free Iftar for Fasting Individuals
In addition to cash support, the government is launching large-scale free iftar arrangements.
Dastarkhwan Plan
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Eight “Maryam Ke Mehman” Nigehban Dastarkhwan in every tehsil
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Each Dastarkhwan will serve 2,000 people daily
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Supervised directly by district administration officials
Iftar Menu Includes
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Dates
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Samosas
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Milk
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Rooh Afza
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Bananas
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Chicken biryani
This initiative ensures dignity and food security for fasting individuals.
Expansion of Sasta Bazaars Across Punjab
To control prices and ensure availability of essentials, the government has expanded Sasta Bazaar operations.
Sasta Bazaar Coverage
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65 Sasta Bazaars operational in 30 districts
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50 permanent Sasta Bazaars
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15 “Sasta on the Go” outlets
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Temporary Ramadan bazaars in 11 remaining districts
The Chief Minister has also ordered immediate land identification for new bazaars in 60 tehsils.
Monitoring and Price Control Measures
To maintain transparency and quality, a central monitoring system has been set up.
Oversight Arrangements
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Provincial monitoring room with 1,250 cameras
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Real-time monitoring of prices, cleanliness, and security
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Dedicated stalls for flour, chicken, groceries, and ghee suppliers
These steps aim to prevent profiteering and supply shortages.
Who Is Eligible for the Ramadan Support
While the government has not announced a fresh registration drive, beneficiaries are expected to be selected from existing verified welfare databases, including families already recognized as low-income.
Important clarification for families
Do families need to apply again?
No. Eligible households will be identified through official records, and cards will be delivered directly.
Do beneficiaries need to visit offices?
No. Distribution is door-to-door.
Can the cash be withdrawn fully?
Yes. The Rs. 10,000 can be withdrawn or used at approved outlets.
What Families Should Do Now
Eligible families should:
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Keep CNIC available for verification
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Cooperate with district teams during card delivery
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Activate the card as instructed
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Use only official Bank of Punjab channels
Avoid agents or anyone demanding money for inclusion.
Conclusion
The Rs. 47 billion Ramadan support package announced by Punjab is one of the largest relief initiatives in the province’s history. By combining Rs. 10,000 direct cash assistance, expanded ration support, free iftar arrangements, and large-scale Sasta Bazaars, the government aims to protect poor families from rising Ramadan expenses.
With door-to-door card delivery, multiple withdrawal options, and strict monitoring, this package focuses on dignity, transparency, and real relief. For millions of households, it offers timely support during one of the most important months of the year.
