Ramazan Nigehban Package: Procedure for Receiving Cash Assistance Announced

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** On the occasion of the holy month of Ramazan, the Punjab government has approved its largest-ever “Ramazan Nigehban Package” to provide financial relief to nearly 10 million deserving people across the province.

According to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Rs47 billion relief package aims to ease the burden of inflation on low-income families during the sacred month. Under the package, 4.2 million deserving families in Punjab will receive Rs10,000 per family as cash assistance, while monthly support for ration card holders has been increased from Rs3,000 to Rs10,000.

The government will issue more than two million “Nigehban Cards,” which will allow beneficiaries to withdraw cash and purchase essential commodities. Beneficiaries will be able to withdraw the cash amount through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and from any ATM connected to the 1LINK network.

To facilitate card activation, 136 centers will be established across the province. District administrations have also been directed to deliver the cards door to door so that beneficiaries do not have to wait in long queues.

In addition, eight “Nigehban Dastarkhwan” will be set up in every tehsil, where 2,000 people will be provided with iftar daily in a dignified manner. A total of 65 facilitation markets will remain operational in 30 districts, while temporary markets will also be established in other areas.

For effective monitoring and transparency, a “Ramazan Nigehban Dashboard” has been developed. Officials will also contact cardholders to verify the receipt of assistance in order to prevent any misuse or corruption.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that no deserving family should feel alone during the holy month of Ramazan, adding that the government stands firmly with poor and needy citizens in all circumstances.