The Punjab government has approved the launch of the Widow Support Card, a new welfare initiative designed to provide financial relief to widows across the province. The program, spearheaded by the Zakat Department, is expected to roll out later this month and will deliver direct cash assistance funded through Zakat collections. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader social protection strategy aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of society amid rising living costs and economic pressures.
Under the scheme, each eligible widow will receive Rs100,000 through the Widow Support Card. Additional financial support will be provided based on the number of dependent children. Widows with one child will receive an extra Rs25,000, while those with two children will be granted an additional Rs50,000, helping families manage basic household needs and education expenses. Officials said the scheme is intended to ease financial pressure on widows while ensuring support for their children.
The Zakat Department has allocated Rs4 billion for the scheme, reflecting the government’s commitment to delivering targeted assistance through formal channels. By using Zakat-funded welfare programs, the initiative aims to improve economic stability for widows, reduce dependency on informal aid, and provide a structured mechanism for timely financial support. Officials highlighted that the program will strengthen household resilience and contribute to social and economic empowerment of widows across Punjab.
The Widow Support Card represents a key step in expanding social protection measures in the province. As inflation and other economic challenges continue to affect low-income households, such initiatives provide direct relief to marginalized groups and support their basic needs. Punjab government officials emphasized that the scheme would complement other welfare programs, ensuring vulnerable families receive the assistance necessary to maintain stability and self-sufficiency.
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