Over 1.6 million benefit as Punjab govt expands social welfare net

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday announced an expansion of key social welfare initiatives after more than 1.6 million people benefited from various schemes, including ration cards, Himmat cards and minority cards.

The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Secretary Saira Umar briefed participants on the progress of ongoing programmes. The meeting reviewed multiple welfare initiatives aimed at supporting low-income and vulnerable groups across the province.

Officials informed the meeting that over 1.4 million people are receiving monthly financial assistance through ration cards, while more than 100,000 persons with disabilities have been supported under the Himmat Card programme. The government plans to extend financial assistance to an additional 200,000 individuals through Himmat cards in the current fiscal year.

It was also decided to include 50,000 more beneficiaries in the ration card scheme through the “Tell Maryam” programme. Meanwhile, around 100,000 underprivileged minority citizens are receiving quarterly financial assistance of Rs10,500 through the minority card initiative.

Under a special programme, more than 16,000 individuals have been provided wheelchairs and 16 types of assistive devices. The chief minister also highlighted the success of the Dhee Rani Programme, under which 5,000 mass marriage ceremonies have been organized so far. She directed authorities to achieve the target of 9,000 ceremonies and expand the programme to include more families.

Maryam Nawaz further directed the establishment of facilities for maintenance and cleaning of assistive devices, along with the creation of regular orphanages for abandoned children. She asked officials to collaborate with credible NGOs to enhance welfare services for women and children.

During the meeting, it was announced that a dedicated helpline, 1737, will be launched by the Social Welfare Department to assist citizens. The chief minister also emphasized involving the private sector in revamping industry display centers and ordered the digitalization of medicine distribution through Zakat funds.

In a significant move, the meeting agreed in principle to collect and map data on beggars across Punjab to better address poverty-related challenges.

Reaffirming her government’s commitment, Maryam Nawaz said the primary goal is to support and uplift the common man, adding that the Social Welfare Department would be transformed into a public-friendly institution modeled on European standards. She stressed that all possible steps would be taken for the rehabilitation of economically disadvantaged segments of society.