Nigehban Card Program Update 2026

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The Ramazan Nigehban Package 2026, the province’s largest-ever social protection program for the holy month, has received formal approval from the Punjab government. A huge amount of Rs. 47 billion has been set aside under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to give more than 4.2 million families a dignified relief experience. Nigehban Card

The 2026 revamp moves toward a digital and door-to-door strategy, in contrast to prior years when individuals had to wait in lengthy, tiresome queues. In addition to necessary ration bags, eligible families will get Rs. 10,000 in cash assistance, which will be delivered right to their homes or made available through a special Nigehban ATM Card.

How to Join the Nigehban Card Program 2026

For most deserving citizens, “joining” the program does not require a new application. The government is primarily using the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) and BISP data to auto-select beneficiaries. However, if you believe you qualify but are not in the system, here is how you can register:

PSER Portal: Visit the official website at pser.punjab.gov.pk. You can update your household information and check if your poverty score (PMT) is within the eligible range.
Facilitation Centers: You can visit your local Union Council or one of the 136 card activation centers being set up across Punjab for manual assistance.
Deadline: The final date to update or register your data in the PSER for the 2026 cycle is February 15, 2026.

Feature	Details
Total Allocation	Rs. 47 Billion
Total Beneficiaries	4.2 Million Families (approx. 10 Million people)
Primary Benefit	Rs. 10,000 Cash Support
Issuance Method	Nigehban ATM Cards (Bank of Punjab)
Distribution Strategy	Door-to-Door Delivery

When Will Nigehban Cards Be Issued?

The distribution of the Nigehban ATM Cards is one of the most anticipated updates. According to official timelines:

Card Distribution Start: District administration teams and door-to-door delivery services are expected to begin card distribution in early February 2026 (starting from Feb 10).
Card Activation: Once you receive your card, you can activate it at designated tehsil-level camps or through Bank of Punjab (BOP) branchless banking agents.
Usage: These cards will be linked to the 1-Link network, allowing you to withdraw your Rs. 10,000 from any ATM or use them at authorized vendors for essential commodities.

Component	Description
Direct Cash	Rs. 10,000 per family for Ramadan needs.
Ration Bags	Flour, sugar, rice, ghee, and pulses delivered to doorsteps.
Nigehban Dastarkhwan	8 centers per tehsil serving Iftar to 2,000 people daily.
Sahulat Bazaars	Discounts up to 40% at selected utility stores.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Update

To ensure the funds reach the truly needy, the government has set strict filters. You are likely eligible if:

Residency: You are a permanent resident of Punjab.
Income: Your total household monthly income is below Rs. 60,000.
Poverty Score: Your PMT score in the PSER database is less than 30.
No Assets: You do not own a registered car or have family members working in high-grade government positions (Grade 17+).
8070 Check: You receive a “Qualified” message after sending your CNIC (without dashes) to the 8070 SMS service.

In conclusion

An important step toward digital government in Punjab is the Nigehban Card Program Update 2026. The government hopes to preserve residents’ dignity while maintaining transparency through the Nigehban Dashboard by offering door-to-door ration distribution and ATM cards. If you qualify, make sure your original CNIC is accessible for the visiting teams to verify and that your cell number is active.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to register for a Nigehban Card online?

Yes, pser.punjab.gov.pk is the main portal. The easiest method to find out your current eligibility status, nevertheless, is to use the 8070 SMS service.

2. How do I proceed if my CNIC check shows “mismatch”?

A mismatch often indicates that your NADRA records are not current or that your SIM card is not registered on your personal CNIC. Make sure you update your family record at NADRA if needed, then send the SMS from your own registered number.

3. Can I use the Nigehban Card at an ATM at any bank?

Indeed, the cards are compatible with the majority of ATMs in Pakistan since they are made to function with the 1-Link network, with an emphasis on Bank of Punjab (BOP) agents for simple cash-out.