The Punjab government has approved a new financial support program for widows, offering Rs100,000 to eligible women through a dedicated Widow Support Card. The scheme includes extra amounts for those with children and is set to roll out soon via the Zakat Department, with a budget of Rs4 billion to help thousands of families facing hardship.
Lahore – The Punjab government has given the green light to a targeted welfare measure aimed at providing direct cash assistance to widowed women across the province.
Under the Widow Support Card scheme, managed by the Zakat and Ushr Department, each qualifying widow will get Rs100,000 as a one-time payment. The support increases based on family needs: widows raising one child receive an additional Rs25,000, while those with two children get an extra Rs50,000.
The program focuses on easing the financial strain on vulnerable households, particularly those without steady income sources. Officials say rural Zakat committees have already received instructions to identify and forward names of deserving women so funds can reach them quickly.
The total allocation stands at Rs4 billion, drawn from Zakat funds. The initiative is expected to start before the end of February 2026, though some reports mention a possible link to pre-Ramadan timing for added relief during the holy month.
This move comes as part of broader efforts under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s administration to strengthen social safety nets for women in difficult circumstances. Similar one-time or ongoing aid programs have been discussed in recent months, but this Widow Support Card stands out for its clear structure and child-based additions.
Local Zakat officials will handle verification to ensure only genuine cases benefit, aiming for transparent distribution without delays.
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The scheme is projected to reach thousands of widows province-wide, offering practical help for daily expenses, children’s schooling, or medical needs.
