LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th Apr, 2026) Over 1.6 million people have benefited from welfare initiatives including the Ration Card,Himmat Card and Minority Card program in Punjab,it was revealed during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister(CM),Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday.
The meeting reviewed the performance of the Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Department, where Secretary Saira Omar briefed participants on ongoing initiatives for vulnerable segments.
Officials said more than 100,000 special persons had received financial assistance under the Himmat Card program with a target of reaching 200,000 beneficiaries in the current fiscal year.
Meanwhile,over 1.4 million people were receiving monthly assistance through the Ration Card scheme.
It was decided to add 50,000 more beneficiaries to the Ration Card program under the “Maryam Ko Batain” initiative.
Under the Minority Card scheme,around 100,000 deserving individuals from minority communities were receiving Rs.10,500 quarterly.
The meeting was also informed that over 16,000 individuals had been provided wheelchairs and assistive devices, while 5,000 collective marriages had been organized under the “Dhee Rani” program so far.
The CM directed authorities to achieve the target of 9,000 ceremonies.
CM Maryam Nawaz directed officials to ensure maintenance facilities for assistive devices,establish proper orphanages for unattended minors and engage credible NGOs for the welfare of women and children.
A dedicated helpline 1737 will be set up,while authorities were also directed to collect and map data of beggars across the province.
She further ordered digitalisation of the system for provision of medicines through Zakat funds and called for involving the private sector in revamping Sanatzar centers.
Emphasizing support for low-income groups,the chief minister said the government remained committed to welfare and rehabilitation of economically disadvantaged segments,adding that efforts were underway to make the department more public-friendly.
