Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari announced that the Punjab government is launching a Rs47 billion Nigehban Ramzan Package this year, under which approximately 4.2 million deserving families will benefit.
She stated that the relief will be provided directly to beneficiaries through Nigehban Ramzan Cards, ensuring dignified and transparent delivery at people’s doorsteps. The package is aimed at families with a monthly income below Rs45,000. In addition, Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card holders, including labourers and the Suthra Punjab workforce, will also receive special relief.
Azma Bokhari revealed that this Ramzan, the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card amount has been increased from Rs3,000 to Rs10,000, enabling deserving families to meet their essential needs with dignity.
She further announced that “Nigehban Ramzan – Maryam Ke Mehman Dastarkhwan” will be established in every tehsil, where at least 2,000 people will be served iftar daily. These arrangements will be made at large parks, mosques, and other suitable locations, under the personal supervision of commissioners and deputy commissioners, while Punjab Food Authority teams will ensure food quality.
The minister said that 65 Sahulat Bazaars are already operational in 30 districts, which will be converted into Ramzan Bazaars five days before Ramzan and later into Eid Bazaars five days before Eid. Remaining districts will have temporary arrangements immediately, while permanent, modern Sahulat Bazaars will be completed across Punjab by June. Fifteen Sahulat Bazaars are also providing free home delivery, benefiting nearly 300,000 people, and the Nigehban Ramzan Card will also be integrated with the home delivery system.
Azma Bokhari emphasized that ghee, flour, sugar, pulses, and other essential commodities will be available at subsidized rates, and the Punjab government is strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding and profiteering. Prices and supply will remain under constant monitoring to ensure timely relief.
Addressing a press conference at DGPR, she highlighted the government’s strong emergency response capacity, citing incidents such as the Murree snow emergency and the Indigo Plaza fire, where a five-minute response time prevented a major tragedy through modern equipment, technology, and professional expertise.
She stated that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, several historic initiatives have been launched for the first time in Pakistan, including the Suthra Punjab Program, Nigehban Ramzan Package, free doorstep delivery of medicines, field hospitals, clinics on wheels, and the Smog Mitigation Plan, all benefiting millions directly. She emphasized that these programs are for the public at large, not for any specific group or political interest.
Explaining further, Azma Bokhari said that the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) survey is 94% complete, with remaining areas of Lahore and Rawalpindi to be finalized by February 5. The data, collected through door-to-door census-style surveys, includes special persons, widows, and children to ensure assistance reaches genuine beneficiaries.
She said that Nigehban Ramzan Cards are being issued through the Bank of Punjab, allowing beneficiaries to purchase Ramzan essentials from any grocery store. About 1.2 to 1.4 million Rashan Card holders, including labourers, miners, and sanitation workers, will receive enhanced relief this Ramzan.
On cultural matters, Azma Bokhari clarified that the ban on songs during stage drama performances has no connection with Basant and applies strictly to stage performances involving dance, aimed at maintaining ethics and quality. She added that regulated Basant guidelines focus on public safety, with full registration and monitoring of kites, string, and manufacturers, strict size controls, and price regulation.
Commenting on political narratives, she said that claims regarding threats to the life of the PTI founder are repeatedly used for political victimhood. She clarified that whenever medical assistance was required, it was promptly and fully provided, and there is no cause for concern.
Separately, Azma Bokhari visited the Lahore Press Club and congratulated the newly elected body on its success. On the occasion, she extended special congratulations to the newly elected President, Arshad Ansari, on securing a decisive victory by a large margin.
Azma Bokhari stated that holding Lahore Press Club elections every year on schedule is a positive and commendable democratic tradition that strengthens journalistic values. She added that all journalists of the Lahore Press Club deserve appreciation for conducting peaceful, transparent, and orderly elections.
She further said that journalists of Lahore have once again expressed their confidence in the leadership of Arshad Ansari, which reflects recognition of his professional capabilities and services to the journalistic community.
The Punjab Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving journalists’ issues and ensuring the provision of better facilities through serious and practical measures.