In a significant move to provide relief to underprivileged families, the Punjab government has announced the distribution of Rs30 billion in direct financial assistance during the holy month of Ramazan. At least three million households across the province will benefit from this initiative, with deserving individuals receiving Rs10,000 each through bank pay orders. The relief process will be facilitated through the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER), the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), and the Bank of Punjab.
During a press conference, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Price Control, Salma Butt, shared details of the relief measures. She stated that over 18,000 distribution points have been established across Punjab for public convenience. Additionally, model bazaars have been set up in 25 districts, while the remaining districts will have special relief markets offering essential items at reduced prices.
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Key Relief Measures for Ramazan
| Initiative | Details |
| Financial Assistance | Rs30 billion to be distributed to 3 million households |
| Direct Relief | Rs10,000 per deserving individual through bank pay orders |
| Price Reductions | Ghee, cooking oil, chicken, pulses, and other essentials at reduced rates |
| Model Bazaars | Established in 25 districts, with special relief markets in others |
| Flour Subsidy | 20-kg flour bag available at Rs1,000 less than last year |
| Sugar Price | Available at Rs130 per kg at 600 stalls across Punjab |
Price Control Measures
Salma Butt emphasized that the Punjab government is working closely with industries to ensure further price reductions. Key highlights include:
- Ghee and cooking oil will be available at wholesale rates.
- Chicken prices will be reduced by Rs10 per kg.
- Pulses prices will be slashed by Rs24 per kg.
- Vegetables and fruits will be sold at prices lower than those set by district administrations.
- Potatoes, onions, lemons, and dates are comparatively cheaper than last year.
She also highlighted that the price of a 20-kg flour bag is Rs1,000 less than last year, with additional relief of Rs50 to Rs100 at relief stalls. The government is also reviewing mechanisms for imported goods and recommendations to boost local production.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s Commitment to Public Welfare
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been actively monitoring price control reports daily to curb inflation. The establishment of the Price Control & Commodities Management Department aims to regulate supply and demand standards, ensuring that profiteering is not tolerated.
In addition to the Ramazan relief measures, CM Maryam announced the issuance of bone marrow transplant cards for deserving patients. She stated, “Free treatment is the right of every patient and child. Every child is more important to me than my own children. After the issuance of the card, the parents of sick children will be free from expenses.”
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Healthcare Achievements Under CM Maryam’s Leadership
CM Maryam highlighted the success of the Lahore Children’s Hospital, Pakistan’s first government institution to perform bone marrow transplants. Key achievements include:
1. 150 successful bone marrow transplants in one year, with a success rate of 89%, matching global standards.
2. Over Rs4.2 million spent on bone marrow transplants, benefiting children from Punjab, other provinces, and even Afghanistan.
3. 2,000 child patients treated in the cancer ward, with 25,000 cancer patients benefiting from the OPD services in a year.
Dr. Masood Sadiq, Vice Chancellor of the University of Child Health Sciences, stated that no bone marrow transplant patient is denied treatment under CM Maryam’s directives. He added that free medicines and follow-up check-ups are provided to ensure comprehensive care for sick children.
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s Rs30 billion relief package and price control measures for Ramazan reflect its commitment to supporting underprivileged families during the holy month. Additionally, the introduction of bone marrow transplant cards and the success of the Lahore Children’s Hospital underscore CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s dedication to healthcare and public welfare.
These initiatives aim to alleviate financial burdens, ensure access to essential goods, and provide life-saving medical treatments to those in need. The Punjab government continues to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, setting a benchmark for other provinces to follow.
FAQs
1. How much financial assistance will be distributed during Ramazan?
The Punjab government will distribute Rs30 billion to at least 3 million households.
2. What is the direct relief amount per individual?
Deserving individuals will receive Rs10,000 through bank pay orders.
3. Where can people access reduced-price essential items?
Over 18,000 distribution points, model bazaars, and special relief markets have been set up across Punjab.
4. What are the price reductions for essential items?
Chicken prices reduced by Rs10 per kg, pulses by Rs24 per kg, and sugar available at Rs130 per kg.
5. What is the bone marrow transplant card initiative?
The Punjab government will issue cards to deserving patients, ensuring free bone marrow transplants and follow-up care.