Punjab CM launches ration card programme for laborers' families

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially launched the Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Programme during a ceremony at the Expo Center in Lahore on Tuesday. Touted as the largest ration assistance initiative in the region's history, the programme aims to provide essential support to over 1.25 million laborer families across the province.

Accompanied by Provincial Minister for Labour and Sports, the chief minister toured various stalls at the event and received an in-depth briefing on the program. She reaffirmed the government's dedication to labor welfare, stating, “This program is not for those who don’t work; it is for those who toil 12 to 14 hours a day. They deserve dignity—not charity.”

Key Features of the Ration Card Programme

Under the new scheme, eligible workers will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs. 3,000 via a digital ration card system. CM Maryam Nawaz also announced the construction of 1,220 new homes for laborers and reiterated her commitment to expanding welfare programs for hardworking families throughout Punjab.

Broader Welfare and Development Initiatives

In her address, the Chief Minister outlined several ongoing and upcoming social welfare initiatives. These include:

The expansion of the low-fare Green Bus Service, with 500 additional buses to be deployed soon.

Progress on the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital—the first public sector cancer facility in Pakistan.

The upcoming inauguration of the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in June.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized her vision for an inclusive and compassionate Punjab, declaring, “No laborer’s child should go to bed hungry. My mission is to ensure the government reaches the people—not the other way around.”

She also announced upcoming education initiatives, including the distribution of 100,000 laptops and full tuition scholarships for 50,000 deserving students. “This year, we will fulfill our promise of building 100,000 homes across the province,” she added.

Strong Political Backing

The launch event was attended by senior ministers and public figures, including Maryam Aurangzeb, Uzma Bukhari, and Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, who voiced strong support for the Chief Minister’s progressive vision for labor welfare and public service delivery.