Rashan Card is an initiative by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on 1 May 2025. It is introduced to subsidize monthly food items (like flour, ghee, oil, pulses, and sugar) to low-income families. Punjab Rashan Card is the biggest scheme in Pakistan’s history. This scheme aims to help needy labourers who can’t fulfill their dreams. Through this Rashan card, they can buy food items from nearby grocery stores. Every citizen has the right to live easily on the earth. That’s why the Rashan card was launched. This card allows eligible households to buy essential items at 20%–40% lower prices through registered Utility Stores and Kiryana shops. Don’t miss the chance. Below, we will discuss who will be eligible for this program.
پنجاب میں کون راشن کارڈ حاصل کر سکتا ہے؟
راشن کارڈ 1 مئی 2025 کو وزیر اعلیٰ پنجاب، مریم نواز شریف کا ایک اقدام ہے۔ یہ کم آمدنی والے خاندانوں کو ماہانہ کھانے کی اشیاء (جیسے آٹا، گھی، تیل، دالیں اور چینی) پر سبسڈی دینے کے لیے متعارف کرایا گیا ہے۔ یہ پاکستان کی تاریخ کی سب سے بڑی سکیم ہے۔ اس اسکیم کا مقصد ایسے ضرورت مند مزدوروں کی مدد کرنا ہے جو اپنے خواب پورے نہیں کر سکتے۔ اس راشن کارڈ کے ذریعے وہ قریبی گروسری اسٹورز سے کھانے پینے کی اشیاء خرید سکتے ہیں۔ ہر شہری کو زمین پر آسانی سے رہنے کا حق ہے۔ اسی لیے راشن کارڈ کا اجراء کیا گیا۔ یہ کارڈ اہل گھرانوں کو رجسٹرڈ یوٹیلٹی اسٹورز اور کریانہ شاپس کے ذریعے 20%–40% کم قیمتوں پر ضروری اشیاء خریدنے کی اجازت دیتا ہے۔ موقع ضائع نہ کریں۔ ذیل میں، ہم بات کریں گے کہ اس پروگرام کے لیے کون اہل ہو گا۔
Eligible Criteria Rashan Card Punjab 2025
1. 🇵🇰 Punjab Residency
- You have Permanent residency in Punjab is a must.
- On your CNIC, your address must mention any Punjab district, tehsil, or union council.
- If you are a Temporary resident or migrant from another province are not eligible.
- Your Utility bills or rent agreements may be used to verify your location.
2. Valid CNIC with Registered Mobile Number
- You must have a valid CNIC, not an expired CNIC.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You have a registered mobile number that is linked to your CNIC
- The mobile number is used for SMS verification, OTPs, and 1314 responses.
3. Strict Verification Checks
- The system verifies applicants through:
- NADRA (family tree, CNIC validity, biometrics)
- NSER (poverty score, BISP link)
- FBR (assets, tax status)
- PTA (mobile number ownership)
- If you own a car, have traveled abroad, or are a taxpayer, you will be automatically disqualified.
4. Monthly Household Income ≤ Rs. 50,000
- The combined income of all earning members of a household should not exceed Rs. 50,000.
- Your Income documents will be checked (salary slips, income affidavit).
- Labourers, housemaids, daily wagers, and self-employed workers will be qualify.
5. NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) Score ≤ 32
The poverty score is calculated based on your housing, education, dependents, income, disability, and utility usage. You must be registered in the NSER/BISP system. The NSER Score is the backbone of eligibility. It classifies applicants on a 0–100 poverty scale, where:
- 0–20 = Ultra poor
- 21–39 = Poor/low-income
- 40+ = Lower middle-class or above
To qualify, your NSER poverty score must be below or equal to 32.
NSER Score is calculated using:
- Family size and number of dependents
- Monthly household income
- Home ownership and condition (katcha/pakka)
- Presence of disability or elderly persons
- Children’s school enrollment
- Health conditions
- Ownership of durable goods (ACs, TVs, fridges)
- Fuel and electricity usage
You can check your NSER score:
- By visiting a BISP or Ehsaas registration center
- Or sending your CNIC to 8123 or 8171.
6. Priority for Special Quota
The government has established reserved quotas for the most vulnerable populations.
Special Categories Include:
| Group | Required Proof |
|---|---|
| Widows | Death certificate of husband, CNIC status update |
| Orphans | B-form without father’s CNIC, or NADRA orphan certificate |
| Disabled | Disability certificate from NADRA or the Social Welfare Department |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | Age-based verification via CNIC |
| Women-led Households | No adult male in family tree; verified via NADRA |
| Transgender Persons | Must be registered as transgender with NADRA |
| Laborer Families | Registered with the Punjab Labour Department |
7. Enrolled in Other Verified Social Welfare Programs
You are likely eligible if already enrolled in:
- Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)
- Ehsaas Kafalat or Ehsaas Emergency Cash
- Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) food aid programs
These programs are data-linked, so re-verification may not be required.
What You Get with the Rashan Card
Eligible families can receive:
- Monthly Rs. 3,000
- 20%–40% discount on:
- Wheat flour (atta)
- Ghee/cooking oil
- Pulses (dal)
- Sugar
- You will have access to discounts at registered Kiryana stores and Utility Stores via CNIC/Rashan Card.
Where Can You Use the Rashan Card or CNIC?
Approved Subsidy Access Points:
- Punjab Utility Stores
- Registered Kiryana Stores (linked with NBP merchant app)
- Digital QR Code Outlets (currently being piloted in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi)
The beneficiary can show either:
- Physical Rashan Card
- CNIC
- SMS Code received from 1314.
Government Departments Involved
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| PSPA | Program design and oversight |
| NADRA | Identity verification and data sync |
| BISP | NSER database access and dynamic poverty targeting |
| National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) | Payment gateway and merchant app for shopkeepers |
| Punjab IT Board (PITB) | Portal management, tech systems |
| Utility Stores Corporation (USC) | Commodity supply and stocking |
Conclusion
The Rashan Card 2025 is a revolutionary step taken by the Government of Punjab under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to uplift underprivileged communities. By offering monthly food subsidies on essential items, it ensures food security and financial relief for laborers, widows, orphans, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups. If you meet the eligibility criteria, including having a valid CNIC, a poverty score of ≤32, and a monthly household income of ≤Rs. 50,000, you can apply and benefit from 20%–40% discounts at registered Utility Stores and Kiryana shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to support your household during these challenging economic times. You will get 3000 Rs per month. Check your NSER score, update your CNIC information, and apply today to secure your family’s right to affordable food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Punjab Rashan Card?
Any permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC, household income ≤ Rs. 50,000, and an NSER score ≤ 32 can apply, provided they are not a taxpayer, car owner, or have traveled abroad.
2. What is the NSER poverty score, and how can I check it?
NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) score assesses your household’s financial condition. You can check your score by visiting a BISP/Ehsaas center or sending your CNIC to 8123 or 8171.
3. Can I still apply if I already receive BISP or Ehsaas aid?
Yes. If you’re enrolled in BISP, Ehsaas Kafalat, or Punjab Social Protection programs, you’re likely pre-qualified and may not need re-verification.
4. What documents are needed to apply?
- Valid CNIC (with Punjab address)
- Registered mobile number
- Proof of income (salary slip or affidavit)
- NSER/BISP registration (if applicable)
- Special category certificates (if any, e.g., widowhood, disability)
5. What benefits will I get with the Rashan Card?
You’ll receive:
- Rs. 3,000 subsidy per month
- 20%–40% discounts on essential food items like atta, ghee, sugar, and pulses
6. Where can I use my Rashan Card or CNIC for discounts?
- Utility Stores
- Registered Kiryana stores (linked with the NBP merchant app)
- QR-code outlets in major cities (pilot stage)
7. Can I use my CNIC instead of a physical Rashan Card?
Yes. You can avail discounts by showing either your CNIC, physical card, or SMS verification code from 1314.
8. Which government departments manage this scheme?
- PSPA – Program oversight
- NADRA – Identity and data verification
- NBP – Merchant payments
- PITB – Tech infrastructure
- Utility Stores Corporation – Food distribution
9. How do I apply for the Punjab Rashan Card 2025?
There are two ways to apply for Punjab Rashan Card:
- SMS Method: Type your CNIC (without dashes) and send it to 1314.
- Online Portal: Visit https://portqasim.org.pk and enter your CNIC number.
10. What happens if my NSER score is above 32?
Unfortunately, if your NSER poverty score exceeds 32, you do not qualify for the Rashan Card. However, you may apply for other assistance programs under Punjab Social Protection Authority.
11. Is the Rashan Card scheme available in rural and urban areas alike?
Yes, the scheme is equally available to all eligible residents of Punjab, regardless of whether they live in a city, town, or village. Utility stores and Kiryana shops are being enrolled across districts.
12. Is the Punjab Rashan Card a one-time or ongoing benefit?
It is an ongoing monthly subsidy program. Once you’re approved, you can receive Rs. 3,000 worth of discounts every month until the scheme ends or your eligibility status changes.