Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the launch of a Ramadan ration card and the Nigehban Dastarkhwan scheme to provide relief and food support for deserving families during the holy month.
An important meeting on preparations for Ramadan and public assistance was chaired by the chief minister, who also approved various administrative measures aimed at ensuring timely and efficient aid without unnecessary obstacles.
Under the Ramadan Nigehban Card system, beneficiaries will receive cash assistance in addition to purchasing essential items. District administrations are responsible for distributing these cards door-to-door, while cardholders can withdraw cash through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and One Link network ATMs, and make purchases from designated vendors.
To facilitate activation, 136 centers have been established across the province, with activation also available at Bank of Punjab ATMs. During Ramadan, those holding a ration card will receive Rs10,000 monthly assistance instead of the usual Rs3,000.
A dedicated Ramadan Nigehban dashboard has been set up, along with a phone-checking system to ensure proper administration and accountability for cardholders. The chief minister directed authorities to keep the payment process simple and convenient during this critical period.
The meeting also approved the establishment of eight “Nigehban Dastarkhwan – Maryam ke Mehman” centers in every tehsil, where 2,000 fasting individuals will receive iftar daily. These facilities are overseen by officials from various departments including commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and representatives from the Punjab Food Authority.
During Ramadan, these centers provide dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas, and chicken biryani to those who fast. In addition, 65 Sasta Bazaars will operate across 30 districts, including permanent and mobile markets, while temporary bazaars will be established in 11 districts.
Maryam Nawaz also instructed further price reductions during Ramadan and encouraged the establishment of stalls by flour mills, chicken suppliers, grocery merchants, and ghee mill associations.
Addressing the meeting, she emphasized that no deserving family should feel alone during Ramadan. She stressed that serving humanity brings success both in this world and the hereafter. She urged officials to fully commit to public service during the holy month.
She also praised deputy commissioners for their efforts in beautification projects and directed them to ensure timely canal desilting across districts. Additionally, she expressed dissatisfaction with cleanliness conditions in Sargodha and instructed the relevant deputy commissioner to improve performance.
These measures are part of a comprehensive effort by Maryam Nawaz Sharif to alleviate suffering among vulnerable communities during one of Islam’s holiest months.