The Punjab government’s Nigehban Ramadan Package 2026 raised support for ration card holders from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 during Ramadan, alongside free iftar meals and discounted bazaars. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the package in late January 2026 and announced the launch on 14 February 2026.
This guide explains what the package contains, how families received the money, and where reports differ on the budget and number of families.
Nigehban Ramadan Package at a Glance
| Support amount | Rs 10,000 for ration card holders during Ramadan (up from Rs 3,000) |
| Families covered | About 4 million (Dunya News) to 4.2 million families (programme list) |
| Budget | Rs 40 billion (Dunya News) / Rs 47 billion (programme list) |
| Card | Ramadan Nigehban Card |
| Iftar | Nigehban Dastarkhwan “Maryam ke Mehman” in every tehsil |
| Price relief | Sasta / Sahulat Bazaars and Ramadan markets |
| Approved | About 26 January 2026 |
| Launch message | 14 February 2026 |
| Reported SMS check | 8070 |
Why two budget figures? The Dunya News report of the launch gives Rs 40 billion for 4 million families, while our programme list records Rs 47 billion for 4.2 million families. We could not reconcile this, so we show both. Use the official Punjab government figures if you need the exact amount.
1. Rs 10,000 for Ration Card Holders
The regular ration card pays Rs 3,000 a month. For Ramadan 2026 the support for card holders was raised to Rs 10,000. The reports do not say whether this is a one-time Ramadan payment or a monthly rate, but it is described as the amount for the holy month. Support goes to “deserving” families and is based on the Punjab socio-economic registry (PSER).
2. How the Money Reaches You: Ramadan Nigehban Card
- Beneficiaries can buy essential goods and receive cash support through the Ramadan Nigehban Card.
- District administrations distribute the cards directly to households.
- Cash can be withdrawn through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents, 1Link ATMs and designated Bank of Punjab ATMs.
- 136 dedicated centres were set up for card activation, and activation is also available at Bank of Punjab ATMs.
- Distribution uses biometric verification and modern banking systems for transparency.
The government also set up a Ramadan Nigehban dashboard and a phone-based counter-verification system so that officials can check that payments reach the right families.
3. Nigehban Dastarkhwan: Free Iftar
“Nigehban Dastarkhwan – Maryam ke Mehman” iftar points were planned in every tehsil. One report describes eight points that each serve iftar to 2,000 fasting people daily, with Punjab Food Authority teams and senior officers supervising. The menu mentioned includes dates, samosas, milk, Rooh Afza, bananas and chicken biryani.
4. Sasta Bazaars and Ramadan Markets
The package included 65 Sasta Bazaars across 30 districts, alongside permanent and mobile bazaars, plus temporary Ramadan markets in 11 districts. The Chief Minister ordered further price cuts and directed flour mills, poultry suppliers, grocery traders and ghee mill associations to set up dedicated stalls.
How to Check If You Are Included
- Send your CNIC by SMS to 8070 if the Punjab government’s message for your category asks you to do so. This number appears in our programme list, but it was not in the press reports we read, so confirm the exact instructions in the official announcement.
- Ask your district administration or tehsil office about card distribution and activation centres.
- If you are a ration card holder, use the ration card helpline 1105.
Ramadan 2026 has ended, so check the official channels for any future round before acting on this page.
Beware of Fake Agents and Scam Sites
Government welfare schemes attract scammers. No genuine programme asks you to pay a “registration fee” to an agent, share your card PIN, or send your CNIC and OTP codes to a WhatsApp number. Enter your CNIC only on websites ending in .gov.pk or use the official SMS and helpline numbers mentioned in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Nigehban Ramadan Package?
Ration card holders received Rs 10,000 for Ramadan 2026, up from Rs 3,000.
Is it a monthly payment?
Reports describe it as the Ramadan amount for card holders. They do not say it repeats every month.
How many families benefit?
About 4 million to 4.2 million families, depending on the source.
What is Nigehban Dastarkhwan?
Free iftar points in tehsils across Punjab, known as “Maryam ke Mehman”.
How do I withdraw the cash?
Through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents, 1Link ATMs or designated Bank of Punjab ATMs after activating your card.
Where are the Sasta Bazaars?
65 bazaars across 30 districts, plus Ramadan markets in 11 districts, according to the January 2026 report.
Related Guide
Sources
- The Nation, 26 Jan 2026: Punjab CM unveils Ramadan relief package
- Dunya News, 14 Feb 2026: CM Maryam launches Nigehban Ramadan Package
Last checked: 11 October 2026. Gov-programs.info is an independent information site and is not affiliated with any government body. Figures are as reported by the cited outlets; always confirm on the official portal before applying or sharing documents.
