Business Recorder
LAHORE: In a short span of time, more than 1.6 million people have benefited from the Ration Card, Himmat Card and Minority Card programmes. According to details, over 100,000 special persons have received financial assistance through the Chief Minister Punjab Himmat Card, while 200,000 individuals will be provided support under the programme during the current fiscal year. More than 1.4 million people are receiving monthly financial assistance through the Ration Card across Punjab. The Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting, which reviewed ongoing initiatives of the Social Welfare and Baitul Maal department, with Secretary Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Saira Omar giving a detailed briefing. It was decided in the meeting to include an additional 50,000 individuals in the Ration Card programme through the “Maryam Ko Batain” initiative. The meeting was further informed that under the Minority Card, one lakh underprivileged minority individuals are receiving Rs 10,500 on a quarterly basis. Additionally, over 16,000 individuals have been provided with wheelchairs and 16 types of assistive devices under a special programme. Under the “Dhee Rani” programme, 5,000 collective marriage ceremonies have been organised so far. The chief minister directed authorities to achieve the target of 9,000 ceremonies and include more families in the programme. The CM also directed that facilities for cleaning and maintenance of wheelchairs and other assistive devices be ensured, and ordered the establishment of proper orphanages for unattended minors. She further instructed that credible NGOs be engaged for the welfare of women and children. The meeting was told that a dedicated helpline, 1737, would be established by the Social Welfare Department. A principled decision was also taken to collect and map data of beggars across Punjab. The chief minister directed the digitalisation of the system for provision of medicines through Zakat funds. She also instructed the inclusion of the private sector for revamping Sanatzar, along with branding and collaboration for Sanatzar display centres. Emphasising support for those living below the poverty line, the CM said the government’s objective was the welfare and assistance of the common man. She added that the Social Welfare Department would be made public-friendly on the model of European countries. “We want to take every possible step for the rehabilitation of economically deprived segments. Financial assistance is being provided to low-income groups through the Ration Card,” Maryam said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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