For many low-income families in Punjab, pregnancy and early child care come with serious financial pressure. Medical checkups, travel to health centers, and basic nutrition often become difficult to manage. To address this gap, the Aghosh Program 2026 continues to provide targeted financial and health support to vulnerable women, ensuring safer pregnancies and healthier children.
This guide explains what the Aghosh Program is, who qualifies, how registration works in 2026, and what beneficiaries should do to receive payments without confusion.
What Is the Aghosh Program
The Aghosh Program is a conditional cash transfer initiative launched by the Punjab government to support poor and vulnerable pregnant women and mothers of young children. The program links financial assistance with essential health services, encouraging women to complete medical checkups, safe delivery, and postnatal care.
The main objective is to reduce maternal and infant health risks by removing financial barriers that prevent women from accessing healthcare.
What Is New in Aghosh Program 2026
In 2026, the program continues with improved verification, monitoring, and payment mechanisms to ensure that benefits reach deserving women on time.
Key improvements include:
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Better coordination with government health facilities
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Improved record verification through CNIC data
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More structured payment stages linked to health visits
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Stronger monitoring to reduce misuse
The focus remains on timely medical care, not just cash distribution.
Who Can Apply for Aghosh Program 2026
Eligibility is strictly defined to ensure the program supports women who need it most.
Eligible Women Include
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Pregnant women from low-income households
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Mothers with young infants (as per program criteria)
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Residents of selected districts where Aghosh is active
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CNIC holders with valid records
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Women registered through government health facilities
Only women who meet both health and poverty-related criteria are approved.
Who Is Not Eligible
Some applicants may not qualify due to policy rules.
Not Eligible
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Women from high-income households
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Applicants without valid CNIC
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Those not registered through approved health centers
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Women already receiving similar cash support under another program
Eligibility decisions are based on official data, not personal requests.
Registration Process for Aghosh Program 2026
Registration is done through government health facilities, not through SMS or private agents.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
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Visit the nearest designated health center
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Get pregnancy registered by a Lady Health Worker or medical staff
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Provide CNIC and basic household information
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Complete required medical checkups
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Get enrolled into the Aghosh Program database
Once registered, beneficiaries are informed about payment stages and requirements.
Aghosh Program Benefits and Payment Structure
The program provides financial assistance in stages, linked with health-related milestones.
Types of Benefits
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Cash support during pregnancy
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Financial assistance for institutional delivery
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Support for postnatal checkups
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Incentives for child immunization and follow-up visits
Payments are released only after required health visits are completed, ensuring better care outcomes.
How Payments Are Released
Payments are not given all at once. Instead, they are released in phases.
Payment Method
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Payments are issued through approved payment channels
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Beneficiaries receive guidance from health staff
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CNIC verification is required before payment
Failure to complete medical visits can delay or stop payments.
Important Things Beneficiaries Should Do
To avoid delays or disqualification, beneficiaries should follow program instructions carefully.
Practical Guidance
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Attend all scheduled medical checkups
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Keep CNIC valid and updated
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Follow instructions from Lady Health Workers
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Avoid paying any agent for registration
The program is completely free, and no middleman is required.
Eligible Districts in Punjab
The Aghosh Program is not province-wide. It is limited to specific districts.
Eligible districts include:
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Bahawalpur
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Muzaffargarh
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Kot Addu
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Bhakkar
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Dera Ghazi Khan
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Taunsa Sharif
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Mianwali
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Rahim Yar Khan
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Rajanpur
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Khushab
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Layyah
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Bahawalnagar
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Lodhran
Applicants must reside in one of these districts to qualify.
Common Confusion – Clear Answers
Is online registration available?
No. Registration is done through selected government health facilities only.
Can men apply on behalf of women?
No. The registered pregnant woman must be present and verified.
Is the program available in all districts?
No. It is active in selected districts based on government rollout.
Do missed checkups affect payment?
Yes. Payments are conditional on completing health visits.
Why the Aghosh Program Matters
Maternal and infant health outcomes improve significantly when women receive both financial support and medical guidance. The Aghosh Program helps ensure that poverty does not prevent access to essential healthcare during critical stages of motherhood.
By linking money with health actions, the program encourages long-term behavioral change rather than short-term relief.
Conclusion
The Aghosh Program 2026 remains a vital support system for pregnant women and young mothers from low-income families in Punjab. With structured registration, conditional payments, and a strong focus on healthcare, the program aims to protect both mothers and children during the most vulnerable stages of life.
Women who believe they qualify should visit their nearest designated health facility, complete registration honestly, and follow medical guidance closely to receive full benefits without delay.
