Punjab Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026 – Eligibility, PSER Survey & ATM Payment System

The Punjab Government has officially introduced the Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026, a comprehensive social welfare program aimed at providing timely financial relief to low-income and deserving families during the holy month of Ramadan. With inflation placing increasing pressure on household budgets, this initiative reflects a strong commitment to social protection, transparency, and dignity-based assistance. A total relief budget of Rs. 30 billion has been allocated, making it one of the largest targeted Ramadan support programs in Punjab’s history.

Unlike previous years, the 2026 package replaces manual pay orders with a modern ATM card-based payment system, ensuring faster access to funds, reduced administrative delays, and better accountability. Eligibility and selection are strictly linked with the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER), which serves as the foundation for all provincial welfare initiatives.

Overview of Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026

The Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026 has been designed to deliver relief before the start of Ramadan so families can manage essential household expenses without financial stress. By relying on verified socio-economic data rather than manual recommendations, the government aims to ensure that assistance reaches only genuinely deserving households.

This program focuses on fairness, digital transparency, and ease of access. Beneficiaries receive financial assistance through Bank of Punjab ATM cards, allowing them to withdraw cash instantly from authorized ATMs without involving intermediaries.

Key Information at a Glance

CategoryDetails
Program NameRamadan Nigehban Package Card 2026
Total Relief BudgetRs. 30 Billion
Operational BudgetRs. 4 Billion
Payment MethodBank of Punjab ATM Cards
Eligibility SystemPunjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER)
Card DistributionTehsil-Level Camps
PSER Deadline15 February 2026

Rs. 30 Billion Relief Budget and Its Purpose

The Punjab Government will distribute Rs. 30 billion among eligible households before Ramadan begins. This amount is intended to reduce the burden of rising food prices, utilities, and other essential expenses during the holy month. The relief is structured to support families in a dignified manner without long queues, political influence, or uncertainty.

This targeted distribution model ensures that limited public resources are used efficiently while maximizing impact for households that need support the most.

Approval of Rs. 4 Billion Operational Budget

To ensure smooth execution, the government has approved a separate Rs. 4 billion operational budget. This funding supports administrative management, card preparation, verification processes, logistics, and awareness campaigns. Approximately Rs. 3.5 billion is dedicated to technical and financial operations managed through the Bank of Punjab, while Rs. 500 million has been reserved for public information and outreach.

Officials emphasize that this operational investment is critical for timely delivery and prevention of delays or system failures during peak demand.

Introduction of ATM Cards Instead of Pay Orders

A major improvement in 2026 is the transition from pay orders to ATM cards. In previous years, beneficiaries faced delays, travel costs, and verification issues while collecting pay orders. The new system allows instant cash withdrawal, reduces paperwork, and eliminates middlemen.

This digital approach significantly lowers the risk of duplication, fraud, and misuse while giving beneficiaries full control over how and when they access their assistance.

Role of Bank of Punjab (BOP)

The Bank of Punjab plays a central role in implementing the Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026. As a government-owned institution, BOP is responsible for card issuance, fund transfers, ATM network access, and technical support. Its involvement strengthens trust, ensures secure transactions, and enables real-time monitoring of disbursements.

Tehsil-Level ATM Card Distribution

To improve accessibility, ATM cards will be distributed through special camps established at the Tehsil level. This decentralized approach minimizes travel costs for beneficiaries and reduces congestion at central offices. Localized distribution ensures that rural and urban households receive equal access to relief without unnecessary hardship.

Importance of PSER for Eligibility

The Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) is the backbone of the Ramadan Nigehban Package 2026. PSER maintains verified household data, including income levels, family size, employment status, and living conditions. Only households registered and verified in PSER are eligible for the Ramadan package.

This system prevents duplicate assistance, improves targeting accuracy, and ensures that relief reaches families based on need rather than influence.

How to Complete PSER Registration Online

Citizens can register through the official PSER portal by visiting:

Official Website: https://pser.punjab.gov.pk

Applicants must use their CNIC and a registered mobile number to create an account. After logging in, households are required to provide accurate information regarding income, dependents, housing, and employment. Careful review before submission is essential, as incorrect data may delay verification.

Offline PSER Registration Option

For citizens without internet access, PSER registration is also available at Union Council offices. Trained staff assist applicants in entering data directly into the system after CNIC verification. This option ensures inclusion of elderly citizens, rural households, and underserved communities.

PSER Registration Deadline

The last date to complete PSER registration is 15 February 2026. Late registration may result in exclusion from the Ramadan Nigehban Package. Early registration allows sufficient time for verification and reduces the risk of missing out on assistance.

Public Awareness Campaign

To ensure that no deserving family is left uninformed, the government has launched a wide-ranging awareness campaign funded by Rs. 500 million. Television, print, and digital platforms are being used to communicate eligibility criteria, registration steps, and deadlines clearly.

Government Objectives Behind the Program

The Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026 aims to provide timely relief, promote transparency through digital payments, strengthen data-driven welfare delivery, and protect the dignity of beneficiaries. Officials highlight that modern data systems like PSER are essential for sustainable and fair social protection.

Official Helpline for Support

Citizens facing difficulties with registration or verification can contact the official helpline:

Helpline Number: 0800-02345

Support is available for PSER-related queries and Ramadan package information.

Conclusion

The Ramadan Nigehban Package Card 2026 represents a major step forward in Punjab’s welfare framework. With a Rs. 30 billion relief budget, ATM-based payments, and PSER-driven eligibility, the program ensures fairness, efficiency, and transparency. Families are strongly encouraged to complete PSER registration before the deadline so they can benefit from Ramadan relief and future government support programs throughout 2026.