The Punjab government has officially approved a Widow Support Card Program to provide direct financial assistance to widowed women across the province. The decision was cleared by the Zakat Department with the backing of Maryam Nawaz, marking another major welfare step under Punjab’s social protection agenda.
The program is expected to roll out later this month, focusing on widows facing economic hardship.
What Is the Widow Support Card Program
The Widow Support Card is a government-backed financial relief initiative funded through Zakat resources. It aims to support widows and their dependent children by providing one-time cash assistance through a transparent, card-based system.
Officials say the card mechanism will ensure:
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Direct transfer of funds
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Reduced delays and leakages
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Easy access for deserving beneficiaries
Financial Assistance Details for Widows
Eligible widows will receive a base amount, with additional support for children.
| Beneficiary Category | Financial Aid |
|---|---|
| Widow (no child) | Rs100,000 |
| Widow with 1 child | Rs125,000 |
| Widow with 2 children | Rs150,000 |
This structured support is designed to address basic household needs and child welfare expenses.
Budget Approved for the Program
The Punjab Zakat Department has approved a Rs4 billion budget for this welfare initiative. The allocated funds will be used exclusively for: More Info.
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Widow financial assistance
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Child support add-ons
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Administrative and card issuance processes
Officials state that beneficiary verification will be carried out to ensure only deserving applicants receive aid.
Who Will Be Eligible for Widow Support Card
Although full SOPs will be issued soon, officials indicate that eligibility will likely include:
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Widow status verified through NADRA records
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Residency in Punjab
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Low-income or Zakat-eligible household
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Dependent children (for additional assistance)
Priority may be given to widows with no stable source of income.
When Will the Program Start
Authorities have confirmed that the Widow Support Card Program will be launched later this month, with registration and distribution phases announced shortly after the formal rollout.
Applicants are advised to follow official Punjab government channels for updates.
Key Questions People Are Asking
How much financial aid will widows receive under this program?
Eligible widows will receive Rs100,000, with extra funds for children.
Is this program limited to Punjab only?
Yes, the initiative is for widows residing in Punjab.
Which department is managing the scheme?
The Punjab Zakat Department is overseeing approvals and funding.
Will widows with children get additional support?
Yes, up to Rs50,000 extra depending on the number of children.
When will applications open?
The application process is expected to begin after the official launch later this month.
Conclusion
The Widow Support Card Program is a significant welfare move by the Punjab government, aimed at providing timely financial relief to widows and their families. With a dedicated budget, child-focused incentives, and a transparent card-based system, the initiative is expected to ease financial pressure on thousands of deserving households across Punjab.
