Starting May 1, 2025, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is launching a much-anticipated welfare program — the Punjab Rashan Card. This scheme will provide monthly ration supplies to 1.25 million deserving families across the province. At a time when inflation is squeezing household budgets and food insecurity is rising, this initiative comes as a much-needed relief for Punjab’s low-income population.
The program promises transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Families that qualify will receive smartcards, which can be used to collect essential food items like flour, lentils, sugar, and ghee from designated utility stores — absolutely free. This is part of Maryam Nawaz’s broader promise to support the underprivileged and uplift the standard of living for everyone in the province.
Why Was the Punjab Rashan Card Launched?
The purpose of the Punjab Rashan Card is very clear — to fight hunger, reduce poverty, and ensure no family goes to bed hungry. For many, the daily struggle to put food on the table is real, and this program directly tackles that challenge. By offering a consistent supply of essential groceries, the government aims to ease the burden on the poorest households and help them focus on other critical areas such as education and health.
Another key goal is to create dignity. Instead of relying on handouts or asking for charity, families can now use a registered, formal card to claim their monthly ration. This not only maintains self-respect but also helps build trust between citizens and the government. It’s a smart way to reduce dependency while also restoring hope in public services.
Who Can Apply for the Punjab Rashan Card?
The government has set specific eligibility criteria to ensure only truly deserving families receive benefits:
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Must be a resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
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Total monthly household income must be less than Rs. 50,000.
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Should not be a tax filer or government employee.
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Anyone with a criminal background will be disqualified.
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Only one person per family can apply.
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Preference is given to families already part of the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER).
This ensures that the program remains focused on those who need it most and reduces any misuse of public funds.
Also Read: Easily Check Your Eligibility for BISP Taleemi Wazaif 18000 Payment in 2025
Already Received Nigehban Aid? No Need to Register Again
If your family already received financial assistance through the Nigehban Ramadan Package 2025 (either Rs. 10,000 or Rs. 5,000), then here’s some good news — you’re already pre-registered for the Punjab Rashan Card!
That means no need to apply again. Your details are already verified and included in the government database. You will be notified via SMS when your card is ready for collection.
This saves time and avoids duplicate entries, allowing the government to focus on those families who haven’t yet been registered.
How to Register for the Punjab Rashan Card — Step-by-Step
If you didn’t receive the Nigehban aid and think your family qualifies, here’s how you can apply:
Online Registration Process:
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Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://pser.punjab.gov.pk.
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Create an Account: Enter your CNIC and registered mobile number, then set a password.
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Complete the PSER Survey: Fill out household details like income, housing, dependents, etc.
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Submit the Form: Double-check your details and submit the form.
Offline Registration:
If you don’t have internet access, just visit your nearest Union Council office with your CNIC and registered mobile number. Staff will help you complete the form free of charge.
Important: Do not pay anyone for registration — the entire process is free and handled by the government.