Punjab government has approved the launch of the Rehmat Card scheme aimed at providing financial support to widows and orphaned children across the province. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where officials discussed the structure and implementation of the initiative designed to support vulnerable families. The programme is intended to ease financial pressures faced by households that have lost their primary earners and to help them meet essential needs.
Under the proposed scheme, each eligible widow will receive financial assistance of Rs100,000, while orphaned children will be provided Rs25,000. Officials said the initiative is meant to improve the living conditions of families facing economic hardship and ensure that basic requirements such as education, food and healthcare remain accessible to those most in need. Provincial authorities believe that the scheme will contribute to strengthening social protection measures while extending targeted assistance to deserving individuals across Punjab.
Government officials confirmed that the Rehmat Card project is expected to be formally launched shortly after Eid. During its initial phase, the programme is likely to benefit more than 50,000 deserving families across different districts of the province. Eligible applicants will be able to register for the scheme through multiple channels including a dedicated mobile application, an online web portal and a call centre. In addition, citizens can visit nearby offices of the Zakat and Ushr Department in Punjab to complete their registration and obtain further guidance regarding the application process.
During the meeting, Chief Minister’s Adviser on Zakat and Ushr Rashid Nasrullah briefed the chief minister about the operational details of the Rehmat Card project. Maryam Nawaz Sharif noted that the initiative is designed not only to provide immediate financial relief but also to encourage widows to explore opportunities for self employment and economic independence. She emphasised that the provincial government considers it its responsibility to ensure that widows and vulnerable families receive the assistance they require, adding that every citizen has a rightful share in the province’s resources.
Officials also highlighted the government’s broader approach toward welfare and economic development in Punjab. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the provincial administration is working to strengthen welfare programmes while simultaneously encouraging industrial growth and investment. During consultations held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry regional office, discussions were held with members of the business community regarding strategies for industrial expansion and economic development.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, who participated in discussions on coordination between government departments and industrial stakeholders. Authorities noted that alongside social welfare initiatives such as the Rehmat Card scheme, the government is also focusing on policies that encourage industrial activity and engagement with business leaders in order to promote sustainable economic growth in the province.
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