Nigehban Ramazan package: 4.2m families being provided direct financial aid: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has said that under Pakistan’s largest-ever Nigehban Ramazan package, 4.2 million families are being provided direct financial assistance. Each family will receive Rs 10,000, with no PIN or charges required to access the funds.
The minister explained that those eligible who were missed in surveys or did not receive assistance can contact the “Maryam Ko Batain” 1000 helpline. By providing their CNIC number, eligibility will be verified immediately, and the issue resolved within 24 hours.
Funds can be withdrawn directly via ATMs or bank centres, and any illegal demands or charges will prompt immediate action. Three cases have already been registered against violators, with strict action taken.
Azma Bokhari assured that distribution of the cards across Punjab will be completed by March 10. She conveyed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s message emphasising that assistance will reach each family with dignity. Crowds or unnecessary gatherings are not required, and every eligible family will receive their entitlement without obstruction.
During the press conference at DGPR, Special Assistant Salma Butt highlighted that free Iftar arrangements have been organized in every Tehsil, serving approximately 2,000 people daily. Philanthropists have contributed generously, and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appreciated their support. Certificates and awards will be given to those who contribute to improving citizens’ lives.
The minister urged the public not to misuse the helpline or engage in hoarding, and stressed that every eligible family should receive their Rs 10,000 entitlement smoothly during Ramazan. Punjab government is enforcing full legal compliance to ensure transparent and secure distribution, she added.
Special Assistant Salma Butt added that all Sahulat Bazar in Punjab have been converted to Ramazan Sahulat Bazar, allowing citizens to shop from home using the Nigehban Ramazan Card. Over 17,000 grocery stores are now linked to the card. The minority card amount has been increased from Rs 3,500 to Rs 10,000. So far, over 700,000 cards have been delivered, with funds accessible via ATMs. Ramazan control rooms have been activated in all districts to monitor prices and supply. For the Christian community, 157,000 cards have been distributed.
Regarding the three-day Ramazan Bachat Bazaar at Jailani Park, the government provided Rs 30 million in subsidies, benefiting over 300,000 citizens.
Azma Bokhari criticised PTI, stating that those responsible for political oppression now seek relief. She questioned why international “human rights champions” remained silent during PTI’s authoritarian rule when human rights were trampled and political opponents mocked for their illnesses.
She highlighted that false propaganda about PTI founder’s health has been disproven by his own medical reports. The government is fulfilling its responsibilities, ensuring facilities and healthcare are provided.
On PTI’s 13-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she noted that road closures caused public suffering, with ambulances stranded, and the courts had to intervene. Meanwhile, terrorism incidents continued, yet PTI focused on forming a “release force,” raising concerns of confrontation with the state.
Azma Bokhari made it clear that while the government will provide legal assistance as required, it will not tolerate anarchy, unrest, or attacks on state authority. Prisoners, including the PTI founder, have access to facilities far exceeding historical precedents, but politics cannot be used as a pretext to challenge the state.
She concluded that Punjab’s stance is transparent: all legal rights will be given as per the law and constitution, but no compromise will be made on state authority.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026