In a significant move aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of society, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given the green light to the launch of the “Rehmat Card” scheme. This new initiative is specifically designed to provide financial relief to widows and orphaned children across the province. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Thursday, underscoring the government’s commitment to social welfare and economic upliftment of marginalized groups.
Under the terms of the Rehmat Card program, every eligible widow will receive a one-time financial grant of Rs100,000. Meanwhile, orphaned children will be entitled to Rs25,000 each as part of the assistance package. This targeted support aims to ease the financial burdens faced by these families and help them stabilize their livelihoods. Officials involved in the project have indicated that the scheme will be officially rolled out shortly after the Eid festivities, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s social welfare efforts.
The initial phase of the Rehmat Card initiative is expected to benefit more than 50,000 deserving families throughout Punjab. To facilitate easy access, applications can be submitted through multiple channels including a dedicated mobile application, an online web portal, a call center, and in-person visits to the offices of the Zakat and Ushr Department. This multi-platform approach is intended to ensure that the scheme reaches the widest possible audience, including those living in remote or underserved areas.
Applicants seeking to register for the Rehmat Card are encouraged to visit the nearest Zakat and Ushr Department office in their locality. The department will assist in verifying eligibility and processing applications to ensure timely disbursement of funds. During the meeting, Rashid Nasrullah, the Chief Minister’s Adviser on Zakat and Ushr, provided a detailed briefing on the operational aspects of the project, highlighting its potential impact on improving the lives of widows and orphaned children.
Addressing the gathering, Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the Rehmat Card scheme is more than just financial aid; it is a step towards empowering widowed women by helping them move towards self-employment and economic independence. She reiterated the government’s stance that supporting widows and vulnerable families is a fundamental responsibility of the state. The Chief Minister also stressed that every citizen of Punjab has an inherent right to benefit from the province’s resources, and the administration is dedicated to ensuring that assistance is delivered transparently and efficiently to those who genuinely need it.
Maryam Nawaz further highlighted Punjab’s reputation as a province where social welfare is a priority, with numerous initiatives aimed at providing care and support to all segments of society. This latest scheme aligns with the broader vision of inclusive development and social justice championed by the provincial government.
In related developments, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb spoke about the government’s focus on boosting industrial growth within the province. She mentioned that ongoing consultations with industrialists are underway to promote industrialization, which is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. The Senior Minister shared these insights following a meeting with members of the business community at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Office. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman also participated in the discussions, reflecting the administration’s coordinated approach towards economic and social development.
Overall, the introduction of the Rehmat Card scheme represents a crucial step by the Punjab government to address social inequalities and provide meaningful support to some of the most vulnerable citizens. As the program prepares for its official launch, it is anticipated to bring relief and hope to thousands of widows and orphaned children, reinforcing the province’s commitment to welfare and inclusive growth.
