The Punjab Government has approved the Ramazan Nigehban Package 2026, which has an allocation of Rs 47 billion. The package will provide support to low-income and deserving families living in Punjab. Under the package, 4.2 million families will be provided Rs 10,000 each and will be given Nigehban cards. Along with this, various initiatives like Sahulat Bazaars and Nigehban Dastarkhwan will be taken to provide ease to the people of Punjab, allowing them to prepare meals for their families.
Eligibility Criteria
The main eligibility criteria for the Nigehban Package are:
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Household monthly income should be less than Rs 45,000.
- A valid NADRA CNIC is required.
- Family must be registered in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER).
- Poor families verified in PSER will be given priority.
- Families already listed in social welfare programs may receive auto-inclusion.
Required Documents
Applicants should have the following documents ready:
- Original CNIC.
- Mobile number registered with the CNIC.
- Household members details and estimated monthly income.
- Address proof as per PSER records.
- Previous assistance documents if applicable.
Step 1 Check Eligibility via SMS
The fastest method for checking eligibility is SMS:
- Open your mobile messaging app.
- Type your 13-digit CNIC without dashes.
- Send it to 8070.
- You will receive a reply indicating:
• Eligible — proceed to apply for Nigehban Card
• Not eligible — check PSER records and update information
• Card pending — follow instructions for card delivery
Step 2 Online Registration via PSER Portal
If your data is incomplete or you are a new applicant:
- Visit the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) portal: PSER Portal
- Click Register / New Registration / Update Details.
- Enter CNIC and mobile number for OTP verification.
- Fill in household information, monthly income, family members, and address.
- Submit the form and wait for confirmation SMS.
- After verification, you will receive your Nigehban Card.
Step 3 Offline Registration
If you do not have internet access:
- Visit your nearest Union Council, Tehsil office, or PSER camp.
- Bring your original CNIC and mobile number.
- Staff will assist you in registration and PSER form completion.
- After submission, you will receive instructions for card delivery and activation.
Step 4 Nigehban Card Delivery & Activation
- Verified applicants will receive their Nigehban Card either via door-to-door delivery or local activation centers.
- Using the card, you can withdraw Rs 10,000 cash at Bank of Punjab ATMs or through branchless banking agents.
- In some areas, ration bags or essential commodities can also be redeemed using the card.
- The government ensures a transparent and efficient process for all beneficiaries.
Step 5 Additional Relief Measures
The package also includes:
- Nigehban Dastarkhwan community iftar tables in every tehsil for deserving families.
- Sahulat Bazaars special Ramadan markets providing essential items at subsidized rates.
- Ration stalls organized by flour mills, poultry, and grocery associations to stabilize prices.
- The combination of cash and ration support ensures families can observe Ramadan with ease.
Step 6 Important Tips
- Registration and SMS check are completely free.
- Keep your CNIC, mobile number, and address up-to-date.
- Previous PSER registrations or Nigehban card holders should still verify via SMS.
- Registration deadline: usually 15 February 2026.
- Ensure your mobile number is active for OTP verification and updates.
Summary
The Ramazan Nigehban Package 2026 is a comprehensive welfare initiative by the Punjab Government:
- Rs 10,000 cash and ration support for 4.2 million families.
- Eligibility check via SMS 8070 or PSER online portal.
- Verified families receive a Nigehban Card for cash withdrawal and ration access.
- Additional measures like Sahulat Bazaars and Nigehban Dastarkhwan provide food security and community support during Ramadan.
