LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said more than 400,000 Nigehban Ramazan cards have already been delivered at people’s doorsteps and the distribution of these cards to all four million beneficiary families would be complete by the 10th of the fasting month.

She directed the officials to take a strict action against those indulging in profiteering and hoarding of edible items during Ramazan.

Presiding over a meeting on the Ramazan relief programme here on Tuesday, the chief minister instructed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) and price-control committees to ensure effective measures to curb inflation and guarantee the availability of essential commodities at notified rates during the fasting month.

She also ordered removal of timing restrictions with regard to closure of markets and shopping centres during the holy month.

Under the Nigehban scheme, each deserving family will receive Rs10,000, and the amount could be withdrawn through ATMs.

The CM warned that any agent or official found demanding bribe from the card beneficiaries would be strictly punished.

The chief minister directed the officials concerned to enhance security arrangements at mosques, bus terminals and railway stations during Ramazan, along with improved sanitation measures in cities.

She said relief would also be provided to people through Ramazan and Sahulat bazaars, where essential food items were being sold at around 15pc below the market rates.

She said nearly 300 Nigehban Dastarkhwans (free meal outlets) would be set up in 147 cities to provide quality meals to the fasting people, adding that special decorations and cleanliness drives were also being carried out across urban centres for the holy month.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026