4.2m families to receive financial support under Nigehban Ramazan Package: Azma 

Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari has unveiled what she described as the country’s biggest-ever Nigehban Ramazan relief initiative, under which 4.2 million families will each receive Rs10,000 in direct financial support.

She clarified that beneficiaries will not need any PIN code to access the funds and no service charges will be deducted.

Speaking at a press briefing at the DGPR on Wednesday, she said people who were left out of the survey process or did not receive their payment could call the “Maryam Ko Batain” helpline at 1000.

By providing their CNIC number, their eligibility would be checked on the spot and any complaint would be resolved within 24 hours. She explained that recipients can withdraw their money through ATMs or designated bank branches.

Warning against exploitation, the minister said strict action would be taken against anyone demanding illegal deductions, adding that three cases have already been registered against violators. She also announced that the distribution of relief cards throughout Punjab is expected to be completed by March 10.

Sharing a message from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Azma Bokhari said the government is committed to ensuring that assistance reaches every deserving household with dignity, without forcing people to stand in long queues or gather in crowds. She assured that no eligible family would be deprived of its entitlement.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Salma Butt stated that free Iftar meals are being arranged in every tehsil, benefiting around 2,000 people daily. She appreciated the generous contributions of philanthropists and said the chief minister has instructed authorities to present certificates and awards to individuals supporting welfare efforts.

Salma Butt urged the public to use the helpline responsibly and avoid hoarding, emphasizing that the provincial government has put in place a transparent and secure mechanism to make sure all deserving families receive their Rs10,000 during Ramazan.

She added that all Sahulat Bazaars across Punjab have been converted into Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars, allowing residents to shop from home using the Nigehban Ramazan Card. More than 17,000 grocery stores have been linked to the card system.

The assistance amount for minority cards has been increased from Rs3,500 to Rs10,000, while over 700,000 cards have already been distributed. Ramazan control rooms have also been established in every district to keep a check on prices and supply. So far, 157,000 cards have been issued to members of the Christian community.

Highlighting the three-day Ramazan Bachat Bazaar held at Jillani Park, she said the government provided subsidies worth Rs30 million, which benefited more than 300,000 people.

Turning to political matters, Azma Bokhari criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that those who once practiced political victimization are now demanding concessions. She questioned why global human rights advocates did not raise their voices during the party’s tenure when, according to her, political opponents were targeted and humiliated.

She also said that claims regarding the health of the PTI founder had been contradicted by medical reports, maintaining that the government is providing all necessary healthcare facilities and fulfilling its responsibilities.

Referring to PTI’s 13-year governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the minister claimed that repeated road blockades caused immense difficulties for citizens, with ambulances stuck and courts compelled to intervene, while terrorism incidents continued.

She asserted that the government would offer legal support wherever needed but would not allow chaos, instability, or any attempt to undermine the authority of the state. According to her, prisoners, including the PTI founder, are receiving facilities that exceed past standards, yet political activity cannot be used as grounds to challenge the state.

Concluding her remarks, she made it clear that Punjab’s position remains unwavering: all rights will be granted in line with the Constitution and the law, but there will be no compromise on the writ of the state.