Rs47bn Ramazan Nigehban Package: Distribution process to be completed by March 1

LAHORE: Under the Rs47 billion Ramazan Nigehban Package, 4.2 million deserving families will receive Rs10,000 each through cards. The distribution process has begun, with 1.2 million cards dispatched to districts. This process will be completed by 1st March. District administrations will ensure doorstep delivery of cards to eligible families.

Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman disclosed this during a review meeting held at Punjab Civil Secretariat here on Thursday which was chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab.

It is pertinent to mention here that ahead of the start of Ramazan, the Punjab government has accelerated province-wide measures to provide relief to the public from artificial price-hike and to ensure effective security arrangements; a comprehensive relief and price control plan is being implemented under the Rs47 billion Ramazan Nigehban Package.

The measures were reviewed where security arrangements, price control mechanisms and implementation of the Ramazan package were discussed in detail.

The Chief Secretary directed the deputy commissioners to strictly enforce official prices during Ramazan, intensify action against profiteers and hoarders, and personally supervise auction processes in wholesale markets. He said ensuring the availability of essential commodities at notified rates and maintaining balance between demand and supply would remain a key responsibility of the district administrations.

The meeting also stressed that price control magistrates should remain active in the field to prevent shortages, particularly of fruits and vegetables. District administrations were further instructed to extend full facilitation to organisers of Iftar Dastarkhwans.

On security, the Chief Secretary issued instructions to prepare fool-proof security plans for mosques and imambargahs, including enhanced surveillance through CCTV cameras and walk-through gates at sensitive locations.

Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Karim informed the meeting that all Safe Cities Authority cameras will be kept fully operational, while police patrolling and security deployment would be increased during Iftar and Taraweeh prayers.

Officials also told the meeting that Ramazan bazaars will be made operational in Sahulat bazaars across the province from 14 February, where flour, fruits and vegetables will be available at subsidized rates.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026