Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced that this year’s Ramadan Naegahban Package is worth Rs 47 billion and will benefit 4.2 million families through the Ramadan Naegahban Card.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Azma Bukhari stated that every initiative launched by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is reaching and benefiting millions of people.
Key public welfare projects , including Suthra Punjab, the Ramadan Naegahban Package, Field Hospitals, and others remain top priorities of the government.
She explained that last Ramadan, deserving families received Rs 10,000 each directly at their homes via pay orders.
This year, however, Ramadan Naegahban Cards have already been printed and will be delivered to eligible individuals before the start of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak.
A total of 4.2 million families will benefit from the package this year.
Azma Bukhari revealed that after 5 February, the Punjab government will have complete data of all citizens.
Families with monthly income below Rs 45,000 have been included in the list following a door-to-door survey conducted on the pattern of a census.
She noted that last year the package covered 3 million families, while this year the number has been significantly increased.
Workers of the Suthra Punjab program will also receive Ramadan Naegahban Cards.
The Information Minister further announced that during Ramadan this year, the government will launch Naegahban Dastarkhwan and the Maryam ke Mehmaan program.
Under this initiative, dastarkhwans (free iftar setups) will be arranged in every tehsil of Punjab, providing quality iftar to at least 2,000 people daily.
According to Azma Bukhari, commodities in Suhailat Bazars (utility stores) are available at Rs 10–15 lower than market prices.
So far, 65 Suhailat Bazars have been made operational across 30 districts of Punjab, and they will perform even better this year compared to last year.
She emphasized that all measures taken by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are purely in the public interest and not for party politics.
Approval has also been granted for an additional 1,500 electric buses at the tehsil level.
The minister made it clear that strict actions are already underway against profiteering and hoarding during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, and no one will be allowed to indulge in unjust profiteering.
Ration cards for the labor class have also been enhanced.
Commenting on the recent fire incident at Gulberg Plaza, she said the government responded within just 5 minutes.
Timely action prevented a major tragedy, and due to swift governmental measures, precious lives and property were saved.
