LAHORE: The Punjab government has expanded its existing ration card scheme to include a cash withdrawal facility, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive up to Rs10,000.
The development is being described by officials as a practical step toward providing immediate financial assistance amid rising inflation.
The workers registered under the welfare program will now be able to withdraw cash directly from designated retail outlets without requiring access to a bank account or ATM.
Initially, the ration card could only be used to purchase essential food items at subsidized rates.
Provincial authorities estimate that millions of deserving individuals across Punjab are expected to benefit from the new feature.
In this regard, economic observers believe that combining subsidized food support with direct cash assistance could offer more flexible relief to vulnerable communities.
The government representatives emphasize that the enhanced ration card system is designed not only to provide short-term relief but also to modernize the delivery of welfare assistance.
However, key operational details including the exact rollout timeline and eligibility verification procedures are expected to be clarified in the coming days. Stakeholders are closely watching how the initiative will be implemented and whether additional reforms may follow as part of a broader social protection strategy.
