The Nigehban Ramzan Card 2026 is the largest welfare program in Punjab’s history, with a budget of approximately Rs. 40-47 billion. The primary goal is to ensure that every low-income household can observe Ramadan with peace and dignity. Unlike previous years, the government is now utilizing the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) to deliver aid directly to the doorsteps of the needy.
Quick Highlights: Nigehban Ramzan Package 2026
| Feature | Details for 2026 |
| Cash Assistance | Rs. 10,000 via Nigehban Card |
| Ration Hamper | Flour, Ghee, Sugar, Rice, and Pulses |
| Target Households | ~4.2 Million Families |
| Check Method | SMS to 8070 or 9999 |
| Official Portal | pser.punjab.gov.pk |
| Status | Active (Started Feb 15, 2026) |
Who is Eligible? (New Eligibility Rules)
For 2026, the government has set strict criteria to ensure the aid reaches those who truly need it:
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Monthly Income: Household income must be below Rs. 60,000.
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Poverty Score: Families must have a PMT (Poverty Means Test) score of less than 35 (verified via BISP/PSER data).
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Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
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Exclusions: Government employees (Grade 17+), vehicle owners (tractors/cars), and those with recent foreign travel are generally ineligible.
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Automatic Selection: Most families already registered with BISP (8171) or Ehsaas are automatically included.
How to Register for Nigehban Ramzan Card 2026
If your family is not already in the government database, you can apply using these methods:
Method 1: SMS Registration (Fastest)
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Open your mobile messaging app.
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Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes).
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Send it to 8070 (or 9999 in some districts).
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You will receive a reply message confirming your eligibility.
Method 2: Online via PSER Portal
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Visit the official pser.punjab.gov.pk portal.
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Enter your CNIC and registered mobile number.
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Fill in your household details, including income and family size.
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After verification, your status will be updated to “Eligible.”
How to Use the Nigehban ATM Card?
Once you are declared eligible, the government will deliver a digital Nigehban Card to your registered home address.
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Activation: You can activate the card at designated Bank of Punjab (BOP) activation centers or via an OTP sent to your phone.
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Withdrawal: You can withdraw the Rs. 10,000 cash from any BOP ATM or authorized branchless banking agents.
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Ration Collection: The card can also be used at registered local karyana stores and Utility Stores to get subsidized or free food items.
Doorstep Delivery of Ration Bags
To save citizens from the “queue culture,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the doorstep delivery of ration hampers.
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District administration teams, often accompanied by local representatives, will visit verified addresses.
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You must provide your original CNIC and a biometric (thumb) verification to receive the bag.
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Each bag typically contains 10kg Flour, 2kg Sugar, 2kg Ghee, and 2kg Rice.
Important Safety Tips & Helplines
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Scam Alert: BISP and the Punjab Government never ask for money to register you. The service is 100% free.
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No WhatsApp: Do not trust any WhatsApp links asking for your bank details or OTP.
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Complaints: if an agent demands a “commission” or if you haven’t received your bag despite being eligible, call the Chief Minister’s Helpline at 0800-02345.
The Nigehban Ramzan Card 2026 is a significant step toward a smarter, more respectful welfare system. By combining digital cash transfers with physical food support, the government is ensuring a “Zero Hunger” Ramadan for the people of Punjab.