Assalam-o-Alaikum.
The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has officially issued the notification for the Punjab Ration Card Scheme 2026. With this announcement, eligible residents of Punjab will soon be able to receive monthly ration support directly from the government.
This ration card scheme was also introduced last year, and due to its success, it has now been formally relaunched with expanded coverage for 2026.
Overview of the Punjab Ration Card Scheme 2026
The Punjab Ration Card Scheme is one of the largest social welfare initiatives in Pakistan, aimed at supporting low-income and deserving families across the province.
Key Highlights:
- 14 lakh (1.4 million) hardworking individuals
- More than 95 lakh (9.5 million) families
- Monthly ration subsidy worth PKR 3,000
- Applicable across all cities and districts of Punjab
- Both men and women are eligible to apply
This scheme ensures that deserving families receive ration items, not cash, on a monthly basis.
https://pser.punjab.gov.pk/login
Who Is Eligible for the Ration Card?
To qualify for the Punjab Ration Card Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Punjab
- Must possess a valid Punjab CNIC
- Monthly household income must be below PKR 50,000
- PMT score must be below 45 (as per government poverty assessment)
- Only one person per family can apply
👉 If multiple brothers live separately with their own families, each household may apply individually. However, children living under one father’s household cannot apply separately.
Monthly Benefits
- Eligible families will receive ration worth PKR 3,000 per month
- The ration will be provided through the official ration card
- No cash withdrawal is allowed; the card is strictly for ration usage
Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
To apply for the Punjab Ration Card, registration must be completed through the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) portal.
Important Registration Instructions:
- Ensure your CNIC is registered with NADRA
- Your SIM card must be registered on your CNIC
- Use the same mobile number during registration
- Verify that your income and PMT score meet eligibility requirements
📌 If needed, you may visit:
- NADRA Office
- Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Office
- Union Council Office
to verify or update your records.
Registration Process
Distribution Timeline
Following the issuance of the notification, authorities stated that the ration distribution process will begin shortly, with implementation expected to accelerate ahead of Ramadan to provide maximum relief to deserving families.
The government emphasized that the ration card will be used only for purchasing ration items and no cash payments will be made under this scheme.
Additional Welfare Initiatives
Alongside the ration card program, the Punjab Government is also running several welfare schemes, including:
- Interest-free loans for small businesses
- Housing loans up to PKR 1.5 million
- Free vocational courses with monthly stipends
- Scholarships, paid internships, and overseas training programs
Government’s Statement
Officials described the ration card scheme as one of the largest welfare initiatives in Punjab, aimed at supporting low-income families amid rising inflation.
Further details regarding the application process and distribution schedule are expected to be announced in the coming days.
When Will Distribution Start?
- The official notification has already been issued
- Distribution is expected to begin within a few days
- The ration distribution process will be fast-tracked, especially ahead of Ramadan, when maximum relief is provided to deserving families
Coverage Across Punjab
This scheme is not limited to major cities. Residents from all areas, including:
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Multan
- Gujranwala
- Sargodha
- Gujrat
- and all other Punjab districts
are eligible, provided they meet the income and PMT criteria.
Other Punjab Government Welfare Schemes
Along with the Ration Card Scheme, the Punjab Government is also offering:
- Interest-free business loans
- PKR 1.5 million loans for house construction
- Free plots
- Scholarships and paid internships
- Free skill-based courses with monthly stipends
- Foreign training and study opportunities sponsored by the Punjab Government
Final Words
The Punjab Ration Card Scheme 2026 is a major relief initiative for low-income families. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, make sure to complete the registration as soon as applications open.
📢 Share this information with friends and family so that no deserving household is left behind.
Allah Hafiz.