The decision reflects a renewed push to turn public funds into practical support rather than paper promises.
Under the plan, the Chief Minister Widow Card for Employment will be launched at a cost of Rs 1,800 million, designed to help widowed women gain financial independence and steady livelihoods.
Alongside this, the government will roll out the CM E Rickshaw Scheme with a budget of Rs 1,200 million, offering affordable income opportunities, while an additional Rs 100 million has been set aside for the Chief Minister Punjab Immediate Financial Assistance Scheme to provide quick relief in emergencies.
These decisions were announced during the 38th meeting of the Punjab Zakat and Ushr Council, held in the Assembly Chamber under the Department of Zakat and Ushr. Addressing the meeting, Rashid Nasrullah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Zakat and Ushr, said that honest leadership has rebuilt public trust.
As a result, philanthropists have contributed Rs 200 million to official Zakat accounts during the current financial year to ensure help reaches those who truly need it.
He shared that financial assistance for Asfandyar Bukhari District Headquarters Hospital, Attock, has been increased on the request of the Deputy Commissioner to improve healthcare access for poor patients.
He also announced a Rs 10 million grant for Gulab Devi Hospital, adding that the number of hospitals receiving grants across Punjab will be expanded beyond last year’s total of 46.
Further strengthening healthcare support, funds are being released for thalassemia centers in 10 districts, while Sundas Foundation will also receive a grant to support the treatment of children suffering from thalassemia. Officials described these steps as a lifeline for families facing long term medical costs.
Chairman Punjab Zakat Council and MPA Rana Munawar Ghaus said the government, under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is committed to delivering rights to the rightful. He emphasized that a people-focused government measures success by the well-being of its weakest citizens, not by slogans.
He added that the Marriage Grant Scheme will continue across Punjab and that funding for provincial-level hospitals will be further increased. The meeting was attended by Secretary Zakat and Ushr Irfan Sandhu and senior officers from various departments across the province.
Overall, the initiatives signal a clear message: welfare is no longer just an idea, but a working promise backed by funds, planning, and intent.
