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CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Ramzan Negahban Package 2026 for 4.2 Million Families Across Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially approved the Ramzan Negahban Package 2026, a massive relief initiative aimed at supporting poor and deserving families before the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Under this package, financial assistance and food support will be provided to millions of households to ensure that no family remains hungry or unsupported during Ramadan. The program reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to social welfare and public relief at a time of rising inflation.

Rs. 47 Billion Ramzan Negahban Package for Punjab

The Punjab government has allocated a total budget of Rs. 47 billion for the Ramzan Negahban Package 2026. This historic relief package will benefit around 4.2 million families, covering nearly 10 million individuals across the province. Each eligible family will receive Rs. 10,000 in financial assistance through the Ramzan Negahban Card. The goal is to deliver Ramadan relief directly to households in a dignified and transparent manner without forcing people to stand in long queues.

Ramzan Negahban Card and Ration Support Details

Under the approved plan, the Punjab government will distribute Ramzan Negahban Cards to eligible families. These cards can be used not only to withdraw cash but also to purchase essential food items. Beneficiaries will be able to withdraw cash through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents and One Link ATM network. The card can also be used at designated vendors to buy ration items, making it easier for families to meet their daily needs during Ramadan.

FeatureDetails
Total BudgetRs. 47 Billion
Beneficiary Families4.2 Million
Cash AssistanceRs. 10,000 per family
CoverageAll Punjab
Withdrawal OptionsATMs & branchless banking

Maryam Nawaz Dastarkhwan and Sasta Bazaars in Every Tehsil

Along with cash assistance, the Punjab government has approved the establishment of “Maryam Ke Mehman” Negahban Dastarkhwan in every tehsil. Eight Negahban Dastarkhwan will operate in each tehsil, providing free iftar meals daily to at least 2,000 fasting individuals. The menu will include dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas, and chicken biryani to ensure a dignified iftar experience.

In addition, Ramadan Sasta Bazaars will be set up across Punjab. A total of 65 permanent Sasta Bazaars will function in 30 districts, along with 15 mobile “Sasta Bazaar on the Go” units. Temporary Ramadan bazaars will also be arranged in 11 additional districts to provide affordable food items.

Activation Centers and Monitoring System

To make the Ramzan Negahban Card functional, the Punjab government has established 136 activation centers across the province. Beneficiaries can activate their cards through Bank of Punjab ATMs and designated centers. A central Ramzan Negahban dashboard has also been created to monitor payments and beneficiary data. Cardholders will receive verification calls as part of a counter-checking system to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.

FacilityImplementation
Card Activation Centers136 across Punjab
MonitoringCentral Negahban Dashboard
ATM AccessBank of Punjab & One Link
VerificationPSER & NADRA-linked system

Price Control, Monitoring, and Government Directives

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued strict instructions to reduce prices during Ramadan and ensure proper monitoring. Provincial and district administrations, including commissioners and deputy commissioners, have been directed to closely supervise Negahban Dastarkhwan and Sasta Bazaars. The Punjab Food Authority will conduct daily inspections to maintain food quality and hygiene standards. A provincial monitoring room equipped with 1,250 cameras will oversee cleanliness, pricing, security, and overall operations.

CM Maryam Nawaz’s Message to the Public

Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that no deserving family should feel alone during Ramadan. She urged government officials to treat public service as a moral responsibility and encouraged well-off citizens to help needy people around them. The Chief Minister highlighted that serving humanity during Ramadan brings both worldly and spiritual rewards and reaffirmed her commitment to standing with poor and working-class families.

Conclusion

The approval of the Ramzan Negahban Package 2026 marks one of the largest Ramadan relief initiatives in Punjab’s history. With Rs. 47 billion allocated, cash assistance for 4.2 million families, free iftar arrangements, ration support, and strict monitoring, the program aims to ensure dignity, food security, and financial relief during the holy month. Through the Ramzan Negahban Card, the Punjab government is delivering support directly to households, making Ramadan easier for millions across the province.

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