Ramadan Nigehbaan Package Approved Worth Rs 47 Billion

Lahore: (Web Desk/ Our Correspondent) – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the largest Ramadan relief initiative in the province’s history, announcing the ‘Ramadan Nigehbaan Package’ worth Rs 47 billion well ahead of the holy month. The massive welfare program aims to provide financial assistance and food security to 42 lakh deserving families, benefiting nearly one crore individuals across Punjab during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak.

Chairing an important meeting on pre-Ramadan arrangements and public relief, the Chief Minister said Punjab leads the country in public service because its government considers politics a form of worship. She emphasized that no dining spread (dastarkhwan) would remain empty during Ramadan and no deserving family would be left alone.

Under the Ramadan Nigehbaan Package, each eligible family will receive Rs 10,000, amounting to a total allocation of Rs 47 billion. The assistance will be provided through Ramadan Nigehbaan Cards, which will allow beneficiaries to withdraw cash as well as purchase essential food items from designated vendors.

“The blessings of Ramadan must reach every home,” Maryam Nawaz Sharif said. “No mother, no father, no laborer, and no lower-middle-income family in Punjab will feel abandoned during this blessed month.”

Nigehbaan Card and Ration Card Expansion

The Chief Minister announced that more than 20 lakh Nigehbaan Cards will be distributed during Ramadan. District administrations have been directed to deliver cards door-to-door in relevant areas to ensure transparency and ease for deserving families.

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Cash withdrawals can be made through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and OneLink ATMs, while purchases of essential commodities can be made from designated Bank of Punjab merchants. To facilitate smooth operations, 136 activation centers have been established across the province, along with ATM-based card activation facilities.

In a major relief move, Ration Card holders will receive Rs 10,000 during Ramadan instead of the usual Rs 3,000 monthly assistance. A centralized Ramadan Nigehbaan Dashboard has also been launched, enabling authorities to monitor disbursements and allowing beneficiaries to check their transaction status through a dedicated call system.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities to make the payment process “simpler and easier,” ensuring dignity and convenience for beneficiaries.

Nigehbaan Dastarkhwan: Maryam ke Mehmaan

To address food insecurity during fasting hours, the Punjab government has approved the establishment of eight ‘Nigehbaan Dastarkhwan – Maryam ke Mehmaan’ in every tehsil. Under this initiative, daily iftar will be arranged for 2,000 fasting individuals in each tehsil.

These dastarkhwans will serve dates, samosas, Rooh Afza milk drink, bananas, and chicken biryani. Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners have been directed to personally monitor operations, while the Punjab Food Authority will conduct daily inspections to ensure food quality and hygiene.

Sahulat Bazaars and Price Control Measures

To provide affordable essential items, 65 Sahulat Bazaars will be operational in 30 districts, including 50 permanent Sahulat Bazaars and 15 Sahulat-on-the-Go Bazaars. Additionally, temporary Ramadan Sahulat Bazaars will be set up in 11 more districts.

The Chief Minister ordered immediate identification of land for Sahulat Bazaars in 60 tehsils and directed authorities to ensure free home delivery of ration items with payments made through Nigehbaan Cards.

A provincial monitoring room equipped with 1,250 cameras has been established to oversee pricing, cleanliness, security, and overall management in Sahulat Bazaars. Stalls from Flour Mills, Chicken, Grocery, and Ghee Mills Associations will also be set up to help reduce prices during Ramadan.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed that strict action would be taken against profiteering and hoarding, reiterating that public relief remains the government’s top priority.

Spirit of Service and Administrative Accountability

Highlighting the moral and religious significance of Ramadan, the Chief Minister said serving humanity during the holy month brings blessings in both this world and the hereafter. She urged wealthy individuals to feed deserving people in their surroundings and reminded officials that public service is a collective responsibility.

“The responsibility of serving Allah’s creation is not only mine,” she said, “but of every commissioner, deputy commissioner, and every officer.”

She appreciated deputy commissioners who have shown strong performance in beautification and public service initiatives, while directing others to improve their efficiency. Expressing dissatisfaction over cleanliness conditions in Sargodha, she instructed the concerned DC to take immediate corrective measures.

The Chief Minister also directed timely completion of canal cleaning projects in every district, emphasizing their importance for public health and agriculture.

Congratulations to Lahore Press Club Leadership

Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Lahore Press Club, including President Arshad Ansari, Senior Vice President Salman Qureshi, Vice Presidents Nasir H. Ateeq and Madiyah Almas, General Secretary Afzal Talib, Joint Secretary Imran Sheikh, and Finance Secretary Salik Nawaz.

She also congratulated members of the Governing Body and expressed hope that the Lahore Press Club would continue upholding strong journalistic traditions. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to supporting journalists, including assistance in housing projects.

A Landmark Ramadan Relief Initiative

With the approval of the Rs 47 billion Ramadan Nigehbaan Package, Punjab has set a new benchmark in social welfare initiatives. The comprehensive program—combining direct cash assistance, subsidized food, free iftar arrangements, and strict market monitoring—aims to ensure that no deserving family feels alone during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif concluded by pledging to leave no stone unturned in serving the people of Punjab, reaffirming that compassion, dignity, and service will remain the guiding principles of her government.