Today News! 30 Lakh New Nigehban Cards are Being Issued 2026

The wait is finally over for millions of low-income families across Punjab. In a historic move, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the issuance of 30 lakh (3 million) new Nigehban Cards in 2026, bringing the total number of beneficiary families to 42 lakh (4.2 million) under the largest Ramazan relief package in the province’s history . This massive expansion means that vulnerable households—including widows, daily wage earners, and those struggling with inflation—will now receive direct financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 during the holy month of Ramazan, delivered digitally to their doorsteps through a transparent ATM-based card system . If you or your family have been waiting for government support, this could be your golden opportunity to receive cash aid without standing in long queues or paying any fees.

Key Program Details

Here is a quick overview of the expanded Nigehban Card program and what it offers to Punjab families:

Feature	Details
Program Name	Ramazan Nigehban Package 2026
Total Package Value	Rs. 47 Billion
Total Beneficiaries	4.2 Million Families (42 Lakh)
New Cards Issued	3 Million Families (30 Lakh)
Financial Assistance	Rs. 10,000 per family
Delivery Mode	Door-to-door distribution + Collection centers
Activation Points	160+ tehsil centers + 20,000+ branchless agents
Official Helpline	08000-2345
Official Portal	pser.punjab.gov.pk

What Does the Issuance of 30 Lakh New Nigehban Cards Mean?

The addition of 3 million new Nigehban Cards in 2026 represents a fundamental shift in how Punjab delivers social welfare. Here is what this historic expansion means for ordinary families:

Direct Financial Relief for Millions: 42 lakh families across Punjab will now receive Rs. 10,000 each in direct cash assistance during Ramazan. For a daily wage worker earning Rs. 500-600 per day, this amount covers almost an entire month’s kitchen expenses .
Door-to-Door Delivery with Dignity: District administrations are delivering cards directly to homes, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to travel to far-off offices or stand in long queues. This ensures that elderly, disabled, and women beneficiaries can receive aid with respect and convenience .
Inclusive Coverage for the Poorest: The expanded program specifically targets widows, daily wage earners, persons with disabilities, and families earning less than Rs. 45,000 per month—groups that are often excluded from traditional welfare programs .
Ramadan-Specific Enhanced Support: During Ramazan, regular Rashan Card holders will see their assistance increase from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000, providing much-needed relief when food prices typically rise .
Transparent Digital System: All cards are linked to CNIC and NADRA records, with biometric verification required for activation. This eliminates ghost beneficiaries and ensures that only deserving families receive aid .
Flexible Cash Access: Beneficiaries can withdraw cash from any 1-Link ATM, visit Bank of Punjab agents, or use the card at authorized merchant outlets. Over 20,000 branchless banking agents (HBL Konnect, UBL Omni, Alfalah) are available for easy withdrawals .

Who Is Eligible for the New Nigehban Cards?

To qualify for the 30 lakh newly issued Nigehban Cards, families must meet the following criteria established by the Punjab government :

Monthly Income: Household monthly income must be Rs. 45,000 or less.
Residence: Applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
Priority Groups: Widows, senior citizens, disabled individuals, and daily wage earners will be given priority.
Verification: Families must pass government verification through NADRA and PSER databases.
One Per Family: Only one card will be issued per eligible household.
Existing Beneficiaries: Families already receiving aid from other programs may be reviewed under policy rules.

Note: Registration is completely free. Do not pay anyone promising to add your name to the list.

How to Check If You Are Included in the 30 Lakh New Beneficiaries?

If you believe your family deserves support, you can check your eligibility through two official methods:

Method 1: SMS to 8070 (Fastest Way)

Open your mobile messaging app
Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes, e.g., 3520212345678)
Send it to 8070
You will receive an instant reply confirming your eligibility or informing you about next steps

Method 2: Online PSER Portal

Visit the official Punjab Socio-Economic Registry portal: pser.punjab.gov.pk
Log in using your CNIC and registered mobile number
Update or verify your household information
Check your application status and eligibility

Method 3: Visit Facilitation Centers

If you face issues with SMS or online checking, visit:

160 dedicated facilitation centers established in every tehsil across Punjab
Nearest Bank of Punjab branch or branchless banking agent

Current Distribution Status: What Is Happening on Ground?

According to official reports, the government has set an ambitious target to distribute the cards quickly, but there have been some delays:

Status Update	Details
Target Distribution	100,000 cards per day
Cards Printed	Over 1.7 million cards printed
Cards at DC Offices	Over 1.1 million cards received at Deputy Commissioner offices
Cards Delivered	285,000 cards delivered to beneficiaries so far
CM’s Directive	CM Maryam Nawaz has ordered immediate acceleration of delivery

Important: If you are eligible but haven’t received your card yet, be patient. Distribution is ongoing, and authorities have been directed to speed up the process. Keep your mobile phone active to receive SMS notifications .

How Will You Receive Your Nigehban Card?

The government has established two primary methods for New Nigehban Cards distribution:

1. Door-to-Door Delivery

Government teams are visiting registered addresses across Punjab. When a team arrives:

They will ask for your original CNIC
Details will be matched against government records
Quick biometric verification may be conducted
The card will be handed over immediately—free of charge

2. Collection from Designated Centers

If door delivery is not possible in your area, you will receive an SMS instructing you to collect your New Nigehban Cards from:

Your nearest tehsil facilitation center
A Bank of Punjab branch
A temporary government camp set up in your union council

How to Activate Your Card and Withdraw Rs. 10,000

Once you receive your New Nigehban Cards, follow these steps to access your funds:

Step 1: Card Activation

Visit any Bank of Punjab ATM with biometric scanner
Insert your card and complete biometric verification (thumb scan)
Set your 4-digit secret PIN
Your card is now active

Alternative Activation:

Visit any of 20,000+ branchless banking agents (HBL Konnect, UBL Omni, Alfalah)
Call helpline 08000-2345 for assistance

Step 2: Cash Withdrawal

Insert your active card at any 1-Link ATM (HBL, UBL, MCB, Allied Bank, BOP)
Enter your 4-digit PIN
Select “Cash Withdrawal”
Enter amount: 10,000
Collect your cash and receipt

What Other Benefits Come with the Nigehban Card?

The expanded program includes additional support measures beyond cash assistance :

Nigehban Dastarkhwan: 8 dastarkhwans (community kitchens) in every tehsil providing daily iftar meals to 2,000 fasting individuals each
Sasta Bazaars: 65 permanent and additional temporary bazaars offering essential items at subsidized rates
Ramazan Bachat Festival: Special festivals offering discounts up to 20% on essential goods
Future Installments: An active card ensures automatic inclusion in future government assistance programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: I am already a BISP beneficiary. Can I also get the Nigehban Card?
The government is using multiple databases, including BISP records, to identify beneficiaries. You may be automatically included. Check your eligibility by sending CNIC to 8070 .

Q2: What if my card is lost or stolen after delivery?
Immediately call the helpline 08000-2345 to block your card. Then visit your nearest Bank of Punjab branch with your original CNIC to apply for a replacement .

Q3: Is there any fee for card activation or withdrawal?
No. Activation and cash withdrawal are completely free. If any agent asks for a commission, report them immediately to 08000-2345 .

Q4: Can I withdraw money from any ATM?
Yes, once activated, your Nigehban Card works on all 1-Link ATMs across Pakistan. However, using Bank of Punjab ATMs is recommended to avoid any potential transaction fees .

Conclusion

The issuance of 30 lakh new Nigehban Cards in 2026 represents a historic expansion of Punjab’s social safety net. For millions of low-income families, this means direct access to Rs. 10,000 in cash assistance—delivered digitally, transparently, and with dignity. If you believe your family is eligible, send your CNIC to 8070 today and visit the official portal pser.punjab.gov.pk to verify your status. With distribution accelerating under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s direct oversight, your card could arrive at your doorstep any day