CM Punjab Ration Card/Rashan Card (وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب راشن کارڈ) – Apply Now

In a major step toward food security and poverty relief, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz has officially launched the Punjab Ration Card Program 2025. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide monthly financial assistance to 1.25 million low-income households across the province. Designed to help families cover essential kitchen expenses, the program marks a critical move in the government’s broader strategy to tackle inflation and support vulnerable communities. The scheme was formally announced on April 29, 2025, by CM Maryam Nawaz as part of her administration’s social welfare reforms.

Apply for Punjab Ration Card

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب راشن کارڈ یکم جولائی 2025 کو تقسیم کیے جائیں گے۔

What is CM Punjab Ration Card Program?

The Punjab Ration Card Program, also known as the Rashan Card Scheme, is a targeted welfare initiative launched by the Government of Punjab to provide direct financial relief to deserving households. Under this program, approximately 1.25 million low-income families will receive Rs. 3,000 per month to help manage their basic grocery and kitchen expenses. This monthly assistance aims to reduce food insecurity and ensure that the most vulnerable segments of society can access essential items with dignity.

The CM Punjab Rashan Card is a landmark initiative by the Punjab Government designed to provide monthly financial relief to deserving, low-income families across the province. In its first phase, the program targets 1.25 million underprivileged households, offering Rs. 3,000 per month to help cover essential grocery and kitchen needs. This digital subsidy aims to reduce food insecurity while empowering families with dignified, cashless access to daily necessities.

Ration/Rashan Card Program

Program Name	Ration/Rashan Card Program
Budget Allocated	Rs. 40 Billion
Launched	29 April, 2025
Aid Starting from	1 July, 2025
Financial Assistance Amount	3,000 every month
Card Type	Digital Smart Card
Total Beneficiaries	1.25 Million Families (Phase 1), including 40,000 workers from the Mines and Minerals Department
Items to be Purchased	Household Groceries
Area Served	Punjab, Pakistan
Announced by	CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz
Managed by	JS Bank

Core Objectives of the CM Punjab Ration Card Program

Deliver Monthly Relief: Extend direct financial assistance to low-income families struggling with rising inflation and economic hardship.
Ensure Food Security: Support deserving households in managing their essential grocery needs and daily food requirements.
Combat Poverty & Hunger: Proactively reduce hunger and malnutrition across Punjab through a sustained, cash-based subsidy model.
Promote Social Protection: Build a safety net that targets the most vulnerable communities and promotes inclusive welfare across the province.

Key Benefits of the CM Punjab Ration Card 2025

Monthly Relief of Rs. 3,000: Direct financial support transferred every month to help manage kitchen and grocery expenses.
Targeted Support for 1.25 Million Families: Initial rollout to benefit over 12.5 lakh low-income households across Punjab.
Subsidized Grocery Essentials: Avail discounts on essential food items like flour, rice, sugar, ghee, and other daily-use groceries.
No More Long Queues: Families no longer need to stand in lines for ration; everything is digitized and streamlined.
Smart Card Enabled: Funds are disbursed through a secure digital smart card system for easy and transparent transactions.
Wide Acceptance: Usable at all utility stores and registered karyana (grocery) shops across Punjab.

Eligibility Criteria for Ration Card

To maintain transparency and ensure aid reaches only the most deserving households, the Punjab Government has outlined strict eligibility criteria for the Rashan/Ration Card Program 2025. Every applicant must fulfill these essential conditions to qualify for monthly financial support and food subsidies.

General Eligibility Requirements:

Permanent Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab. Residents from other provinces are not eligible.
PSER Survey Registration: Must be registered in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) database.
Worker Welfare / Social Security: Individuals already listed in Worker Welfare or Social Security programs are eligible.
Valid CNIC: A valid NADRA-issued CNIC is mandatory for verification.
SIM Registration: The mobile number must be registered under the applicant’s own CNIC.
Monthly Income Threshold: The total monthly income of the family must be less than Rs. 50,000.
PMT Score Requirement: The Proxy Means Test (PMT) score must be below 35, as per government guidelines.
Employment Status: Government employees are not eligible for this program.
One Applicant per Family: Only one member from each household (male or female) can apply.
Tax Filer Status: Individuals who are not active tax filers are also allowed to apply.
Property Ownership: Families not owning a house or any personal property can also apply.
BISP Exclusion: Families already receiving aid under Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) are not eligible for this scheme.
Gender Inclusion: Both men and women from qualified families are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

CNIC	Valid CNIC of Punjab as per NADRA
Monthly Income	Less than 50,000
PMT Score (Proxy Means Test Score)	Less than 35
Must Registered on	PSER Survey Program
Mobile Number	Registered on the same CNIC
Residence	Permanent in Punjab
Applicant Member	One person per family (Male/Female)

Note: Priority will be given to those who are already verified in Punjab Government aiding programs like PSER (Punjab Socio Economic Registry) or Nigehban Program.

Required Documents to Apply for CM Punjab Ration/Rashan Card

To apply for the Punjab Ration/Rashan Card 2025, every applicant must have the following documents ready at the time of registration. Submitting accurate and verifiable documents ensures a smooth application process and faster approval.

✅ Computerized CNIC: A valid NADRA-issued CNIC of the applicant (must be from Punjab).
✅ Registered Mobile Number: The phone number must be registered under the same CNIC.
✅ Proof of Punjab Domicile: Evidence of permanent residency in Punjab (domicile certificate or utility bill to be confirmed).
✅ Recent Passport-Size Photographs: Clear photographs of the applicant for identity verification.
✅ Income Proof: A valid proof showing the applicant’s monthly income is less than Rs. 50,000 (e.g., salary slip, income certificate).
✅ Utility Bill: Latest electricity, gas, or water bill as proof of residence (subject to confirmation).
✅ Original Documents: All applicants must present original documents during verification. Photocopies alone will not be accepted.

💡 Tip: Ensure all your documents are up to date and error-free to avoid delays or rejection.

Do You Need to Apply If You’re Registered in the Nigehban Program?

The Government of Punjab has officially confirmed that families already registered under the Nigehban Ramadan Package are automatically included in the list of applicants for the CM Punjab Ration Card 2025. Their information has been collected, verified, and forwarded for card issuance. These families do not need to apply again.

This streamlined approach was adopted to:

Save time and accelerate the aid distribution process
Prevent duplicate applications and reduce administrative burden
Ensure that financial relief reaches more eligible families

📌 Note: Families who received aid under the Nigehban Program must ensure their CNIC, mobile number, and PSER registration data are accurate and up-to-date. Incomplete or outdated records may lead to processing delays.

If your household did not receive any assistance through the Nigehban Ramadan Package, you must submit a new application. Follow the official steps in the next section to apply for the Punjab Rashan Card online or offline.

How to Apply for Ration Card Online (Step-by-Step Method)

As of now, the Punjab Government has not officially confirmed the application process for the CM Punjab Ration Card 2025. No official registration portal has been launched yet for the Rashan Card program. However, based on early announcements, the registration process is likely to be initiated on 29 April 2025.

According to official sources, the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) platform may be used for online registration. If the government finalizes this plan, the following step-by-step process is expected to be used for applying through the PSER portal.

Step 01: Access the PSER Portal

Click on the “Apply” button provided below to be redirected to the official PSER portal. This is the starting point of your Punjab Ration Card application. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a valid CNIC number before proceeding.

Apply PSER Survey

Step 02: Register on the PSER Portal

Click on the “Register Now” button available on the PSER portal. Fill in your full name, residential address, mobile number, email ID, and choose a secure password to create your account. This step is mandatory to begin your online application for the Punjab Ration Card 2025.

Step 03: Apply for the PSER Program

After registering, log in to the PSER portal and start a new survey or application. Once the declaration prompt appears, enter the details of the head of the family, including full name and CNIC number.

You must also provide essential household information such as:

Date of birth and gender
Health condition of family members
Education level of each member
Employment status and income details
Assets and agricultural ownership
Permanent address and active contact number

This information will help the Punjab Government verify and determine your family’s eligibility for the Ration Card Program 2025.

Step 04: Submit Your Application

Once all required details have been entered, carefully review your application to ensure accuracy. After verification, submit your form to officially apply for the Punjab PSER Program and become eligible for the CM Punjab Ration/Rashan Card.

✅ Important Tip: You can check your eligibility status or track your application by sending your 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 8123. This quick method helps applicants stay informed without visiting any office.

How to Apply Offline

While the official method of application (online or offline) has not yet been fully confirmed by the Punjab Government, here is the expected offline procedure if physical registration is allowed:

Visit your nearest Union Council Office or Khidmat Markaz in Punjab.
Bring your original CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) and your active mobile number.
Request the official staff to fill out the Ration Card application form on your behalf.
Carefully review the filled form, verify all details, and then submit it for processing.

🔍 Note for Applicants: There are no application or processing charges. Do not pay any fees to anyone during registration. The process is completely free of cost, as per government guidelines.

What Happens After Registering for the Punjab Ration Card?

Once your registration for the PSER program is completed, the following steps will take place:

Your application data will be reviewed and verified by official government institutions to ensure eligibility.
If you meet the required eligibility criteria, you will receive a confirmation message on your PSER portal along with an SMS notification on your registered mobile number.
Upon approval, your Punjab Rashan Card will be issued, and you’ll be informed through the portal.
A monthly financial aid of Rs. 3,000 will be credited to your digital card starting 1 June 2025.
Once the funds are received, you can use your Ration Card at any registered Karyana store, utility store, or designated outlet to purchase groceries and essential food items.

✅ Tip: Regularly check your PSER portal and keep your mobile number active to receive all updates about your ration aid and application status.

Where Can You Use the Punjab Ration Card?

Once your Punjab Rashan Card is activated, you can use it to purchase essential food items at several officially approved locations across Punjab:

Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan – Nationwide network of subsidized grocery outlets.
Registered Karyana Stores/Shops – Local shops officially listed under the Ration Card program.
Ehsas Rashan Centers – Specialized government ration distribution centers partnered with the program.

✅ Tip: Look for official banners, stickers, or QR codes displayed outside shops. These symbols confirm that the store is approved for Ration Card transactions under the CM Punjab scheme.

This system ensures that aid reaches the right hands, making it easier for eligible families to buy flour, sugar, ghee, rice, and other kitchen essentials without extra burden.

How to Check Punjab Ration Card Application Status (2025)

If you’ve applied for the CM Punjab Ration Card Scheme, it’s easy to track your application status online or via SMS. Follow these steps:

Method 1: Check Online via Official Portal

Go to the official PSER portal.
Log in using your registered CNIC number and password.
After logging in, your application status will be displayed on the dashboard.

Method 2: Check via SMS (Quick & Easy)

Open the SMS app on your phone.
Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without spaces or dashes).
Send it to 8123.
You will receive a reply with your current application status.

⚠️ Important: Always use the registered mobile number linked to your CNIC for accurate status updates.

This dual-check method ensures that both tech-savvy users and low-literacy applicants can track their Punjab Rashan Card 2025 progress with ease.

Important Guidelines for Punjab Ration Card Applicants

✅ 1. Enter Accurate Information
Always provide correct and verifiable details such as CNIC number, address, and income status. Incorrect data may result in rejection or delays.
✅ 2. Review Before Submitting
Double-check all entries before final submission. Avoid typing errors or mismatched information that may affect your eligibility.
✅ 3. Use Only Official Channels
Apply only through the official PSER portal or government-verified offices. Never trust unofficial agents or third-party services.
✅ 4. No Application Fee Required
The application is completely free. Do not pay anyone for form submission or registration. Report any such fraud to local authorities.
✅ 5. Use an Active Mobile Number
Provide a working mobile number registered on your CNIC. All updates and notifications will be sent through SMS.
✅ 6. Check Your Portal Regularly
After applying, log in frequently to the PSER portal to track your application status, card issuance updates, or any new instructions.
✅ 7. Stay Informed With Verified Sources
For the latest news, updates, and alerts about the Punjab Rashan Card Scheme, always visit our official website and trusted government pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Punjab Ration Card Program 2025 was announced on April 18, 2025, by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The official launch took place on April 29, 2025. Financial assistance of Rs. 3,000 per month for eligible families will begin from June 1, 2025.

Only one member per family is allowed to apply for the Punjab Ration/Rashan Card Program 2025. Multiple applications from the same family will be considered invalid and may lead to rejection of all applications. Make sure the applicant represents the head of the household and submits accurate information to avoid disqualification.

No, there is absolutely no fee required for registration or application submission under the Punjab Ration/Rashan Card Program 2025. Applicants are strongly advised not to pay any individual or agent for processing. The entire application process is free of cost and facilitated directly by the Government of Punjab.

Eligible families will receive Rs. 10,000 every four months through a digital smart Ration Card issued by the Government of Punjab. This amount is specifically allocated to help low-income households purchase essential food items such as flour, sugar, ghee, rice, and other kitchen necessities from registered utility stores and Karyana shops.

No, the Punjab Ration Card Program 2025 is exclusively for permanent residents of Punjab. The scheme has been launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to benefit low-income families living within Punjab province only. Individuals from other provinces of Pakistan are not eligible to apply under this program.

Yes, based on the current official guidelines, registration in the PSER (Punjab Socio-Economic Registry) survey is mandatory to qualify for the Punjab Ration Card Program 2025. The Government uses PSER data to verify household income, eligibility, and socioeconomic status to ensure that only deserving families receive financial aid under this scheme.

You can use the Punjab Rashan Card at any Utility Store Corporation outlet or registered Karyana shop across Punjab. Only shops and stores officially enrolled in the program will accept the card for purchasing discounted essential groceries, such as flour, ghee, sugar, and rice.

Conclusion

The Punjab Ration Card Program 2025 is a groundbreaking initiative by the Government of Punjab to provide monthly financial assistance to low-income and deserving families. Under this scheme, each eligible family will receive Rs. 3,000 every month to help cover essential ration and grocery expenses. Officially launched on 29 April 2025 by CM Maryam Nawaz, this program is set to benefit 1.25 million families across Punjab, offering relief from food insecurity and financial hardship. Families already registered under the Nigehban Ramadan Package are automatically included, while others can apply through the PSER portal once registrations open. Stay informed by visiting the official websites and verifying your eligibility through SMS or the PSER dashboard.