CM Maryam approves ‘Rehmat Card’ for widows and orphans in Punjab

Officials inform Punjab chief minister that eligible families will receive direct financial assistance of up to Rs100,000

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 5^th, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday approved the launch of the “Rehmat Card” program to provide financial assistance to widows and orphaned children, marking the first initiative of its kind in Pakistan.

The CM took the decision while chairing a meeting, where the proposal for the Rehmat Card scheme was formally proved to support vulnerable families across the province.

During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that eligible families will receive direct financial assistance of up to Rs100,000. Under the scheme, widows will receive Rs100,000, while each orphaned child will receive Rs25,000 through the Rehmat Card.

The authorities said the program will initially benefit more than 50,000 underprivileged households in the first phase, providing economic relief and helping families meet basic needs.

The briefing also revealed that the Rehmat Card project will be launched immediately after Eid.

Applicants will be able to register through a mobile application, a dedicated web portal, a call center, or Zakat office call centers, making the application process accessible for people across Punjab.

Speaking at the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz said widows in Punjab would no longer remain dependent on charity, emphasizing that it is the state’s responsibility to support them with dignity.

“Widows will not receive charity but their rightful support with respect,” she said, adding that the resources of Punjab belong to every citizen and the government will ensure that assistance reaches those who truly deserve it.

The officials said the initiative aims to strengthen the social safety net in Punjab by providing direct financial support to widows and orphaned children, ensuring greater economic protection for vulnerable segments of society.