The Punjab government has officially set a monthly income threshold of Rs 45,000 for eligibility under the Nigehban Ramzan Package, as part of a massive relief initiative aimed at supporting low income families during the holy month of Ramazan.
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari announced that the provincial government has allocated Rs 47 billion for the 2026 Ramazan relief program, which is expected to benefit around 4.2 million deserving families across Punjab.
Direct Relief Through Nigehban Ramzan Cards
Addressing a press conference at the DGPR, Azma Bokhari stated that financial assistance will be provided directly to beneficiaries through Nigehban Ramzan Cards, ensuring a dignified, transparent, and doorstep delivery system. Families with a monthly income below Rs 45,000 will qualify for the package.
She added that Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card holders, including labourers and workers under the Suthra Punjab Program, will also receive special relief during Ramazan.
Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card Amount Increased to Rs 10,000
In a major relief announcement, the minister revealed that the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card amount has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000, enabling deserving households to better manage essential food expenses during Ramazan.
WhatsApp ChannelAccording to officials, approximately 1.2 to 1.4 million Rashan Card holders, including sanitation workers, miners, and labourers, will benefit from the enhanced support this year.
Ramazan Dastarkhwan in Every Tehsil
Azma Bokhari further announced the launch of “Nigehban Ramzan – Maryam Ke Mehman Dastarkhwan”, which will be set up in every tehsil of Punjab. Under this initiative:
- At least 2,000 people will be served free iftar daily
- Locations will include large parks, mosques, and public spaces
- Commissioners and deputy commissioners will personally supervise arrangements
- Punjab Food Authority teams will monitor food quality
Sahulat Bazaars to Convert Into Ramazan and Eid Bazaars
The minister said that 65 Sahulat Bazaars are already operational in 30 districts, which will be converted into Ramazan Bazaars five days before Ramazan and later into Eid Bazaars ahead of Eid.
Remaining districts will receive temporary arrangements immediately, while modern, permanent Sahulat Bazaars across Punjab are expected to be completed by June 2026. She added that 15 Sahulat Bazaars are already offering free home delivery, benefiting nearly 300,000 people, and the Nigehban Ramzan Card will soon be integrated with the home delivery system.
Subsidized Essentials and Zero Tolerance Policy
Under the Ramazan relief package, essential food items including:
- Flour
- Ghee
- Sugar
- Pulses
will be available at subsidized rates. Azma Bokhari emphasized that the Punjab government is enforcing a zero tolerance policy against hoarding and profiteering, with continuous monitoring of prices and supply to ensure uninterrupted relief.
PSER Survey Near Completion
Highlighting data driven targeting, the minister said the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) survey is 94% complete, with remaining areas of Lahore and Rawalpindi to be finalized by February 5. The door to door survey includes data on widows, special persons, and children to ensure assistance reaches genuine beneficiaries.
Broader Governance and Emergency Response
Azma Bokhari also highlighted Punjab’s improved emergency response capacity, citing incidents such as the Murree snow emergency and the Indigo Plaza fire, where rapid five minute response times helped prevent major tragedies through modern equipment and trained teams.
She said that under Maryam Nawaz, several historic public welfare initiatives have been launched, including:
- Nigehban Ramzan Package
- Suthra Punjab Program
- Free doorstep delivery of medicines
- Field hospitals and clinics on wheels
- Smog Mitigation Plan
These initiatives, she stressed, are meant for the welfare of the general public and not for political gain.
Final Note
The announcement of a Rs 45,000 income threshold under the Nigehban Ramzan Package marks a major step by the Punjab government to ensure targeted and dignified relief for deserving families. With direct cash assistance, subsidized food items, expanded Ramazan bazaars, and community iftar arrangements, the 2026 Ramazan relief package aims to provide meaningful support to millions across the province.
