The Rashan Program in Pakistan is an important government project for ensuring low-income households’ food security. Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the program was launched, providing 1.5 million individuals with basic necessities starting from May 1, 2025. The Rashan Program offsets the hardships brought about by the increase in inflation, ensuring that the basic nutritional requirements of the families are satisfied. In conjunction, the Nigehban Card provides wider support for 3 million individuals. In this article, we give you the complete Rashan Program 2025 updates, Rashan card eligibility criteria, application process, its benefits, and differences between the Rashan Card and Nigehban Card. Whether you want to learn how to apply for the Rashan Card in Pakistan or track your application, it is here.
What is the Rashan Program?
The Rashan Program is an initiative promoted by the government in order to distribute basic provisions among the poor households in Pakistan. It is an effort made in order to help decrease the expense of grocery shopping for such households. It provides an allowance of Rs. 5,000 every month in the form of Rashan Card, accepted in designated shops. It is aimed at low-income households, making the basic necessities such as flour, sugar, and oil affordable for them. It works towards reducing hunger and improving the quality of life for millions. The Nigehban Card further supplements it with broader relief, targeting 3 million individuals in Punjab for different relief schemes.
For more information, visit our page on Breast Cancer Symptoms & Treatment in Pakistan
Features and Benefits of Rashan Card
The Rashan Card’s advantages and features place it as the lifeline for low-income households. Here is what the beneficiaries should anticipate:
-
Large Discounts: The Ehsaas Rashan Program provides as much as 40 percent off on grocery items such as flour, sugar, oil, and pulses at authorized outlets.
-
Financial Assistance: In 2025, more than 960,000 people will be provided with Rs. 20,000 for household purposes, improving the quality of their lives.
-
Convenience: Rashan Card beneficiaries can buy monthly rations at authorized utility shops or registered Karyana shops, making it convenient.
-
Targeted Support: Targeted support is given to vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring the most needy benefit.
Such advantages make the Rashan Card an important instrument for food security, enabling households to balance costs in difficult economic periods.
Rashan Card Eligibility Criteria
In ensuring openness, the Rashan Card eligibility guidelines focus on low-income families in Punjab. Eligibility requirements for the applicants include the following:
-
Valid CNIC: A Computerized National Identity Card registered with the NADRA is compulsory.
-
Income Criteria: Monthly household income should be less than Rs. 50,000.
-
PMT Score: You need a below 35% Proxy Means Test (PMT) score.
-
PSER Registration: The applicants should be registered in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) Survey.
-
Mobile Number: The registered cellphone number should be connected with the applicant’s CNIC.
-
Punjab Residency: The candidate should be a permanent resident of Punjab.
-
Single Applicant: Only a single family member (male or female) may apply for each household.
Priority is given to those already verified through Punjab Government programs like PSER or the Nigehban Program, ensuring aid reaches deserving families efficiently.
How to Apply for Rashan Card in Pakistan
The registration process for the Rashan program is simple, with several methods for applying. The following is the procedure for applying for the Rashan Card in Pakistan:
-
Register on PSER: Go to the official PSER website (pser.punjab.gov.pk) or any local registration center. Enter your details, CNIC, and contact details.
-
Await Confirmation: Following submission, your application will be processed, and you will be notified about your eligibility through SMS or email.
-
Pickup Rashan Card: Receive your Rashan Card after approval from an authorized center for the initiation of monthly rations.
For the Ehsaas Rashan Program, you can register online at ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk, or, for speedy eligibility verification, forward your CNIC number through an SMS code 8123. It keeps it convenient for all the deserving individuals.
Rashan Program Registration Process
The Rashan program registration process provides several avenues for convenience:
Online Registration
-
Visit the Punjab Ehsaas Rashan Riayat portal at (ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk).
-
Go to the registration area.
-
Complete the application form with your CNIC number and details.
-
Scan and upload your CNIC.
-
Submit the application and record the application number for reference.
SMS Registration
-
Register your CNIC number by texting the CNIC number from your registered phone number to 8171.
In-person Registration
-
Go to the nearest NADRA Registration Center for CNIC verification.
-
Submit the validated ID at the nearest Ehsaas Program Tehsil Office or e-Khidmat Markaz.
These options maintain flexibility, allowing it to be simple for applicants to pursue the program. Always cross-check your registration for a timely response.
Ehsaas Rashan Program: What is it?
The Ehsaas Rashan Program is the social welfare program launched by the Government of Pakistan for providing subsidized commodities and support for low-income households. Initiated for tackling the problem of food insecurity, it provides relief in the form of discounts for basic commodities such as flour, sugar, oil, and pulses. In 2025, the scheme will become simpler with online verification checks and the process for registration process. Subsidy is made available through the Rashan Card at authorized shops, allowing the needy individuals to purchase basic necessities. The program is aimed at poor households, especially in times of economic hardship such as inflation.
How to Verify Rashan Card Online
It is easy and convenient to check your Rashan Card status online:
-
Use the official Ehsaas Portal at ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk or 8123.
-
Go to the “Check Eligibility” section.
-
Input your CNIC number in the field provided.
-
Submit for instant access to your application status.
Alternatively, the recipients will be provided with SMS notifications from the program about their status. It helps in being transparent and keeps the applicants updated about their eligibility. In case of any problem, reach the helpline at 0800-02345 for help.
Rashan Card vs. Nigehban Card Differences
The Rashan card versus the Nigehban card differences relate to the scopes and objectives:
-
Rashan Card: Specializes in ensuring food security, issuing subsidies on basic grocery items such as oil, sugar, and flour for low-income households.
-
Nigehban Card: Addresses the larger well-being, providing economic assistance and relief for many needs, such as food, medical care, and other relief schemes for 3 million individuals.
Whereas the Rashan Card is restricted to subsidies for food alone, the Nigehban Card benefits the larger population in an overall manner, rendering the two supplementary yet different.
Rashan Program 2025 Updates
The Rashan Program 2025 updates make major improvements:
-
Increased Discounts: Beneficiaries can now get up to a 40% discount on basic items.
-
Increased Eligibility: More families become eligible with eased requirements.
-
Simplified Process: Registration through the online and SMS options has been streamlined.
-
Aid Amount: The amount for grants and vouchers is Rs. 20,000 for more than 960,000 persons, at an overall outgo of Rs. 20.5 billion.
These changes maintain the program’s effectiveness in targeting food poverty and serving low-income families.
Is the Ehsaas Rashan Program Still Active?
Yes, the Ehsaas Rashan Program is ongoing in 2025 and open for new registrations. The January 12, 2025, pending requests have now been reinstated, enabling more households, through the program, to benefit. The program still offers subsidies and finance, providing food security for qualifying households. Eligible individuals should register by the deadline date, February 15, 2025, in order to benefit.
Conclusion
The Rashan Program 2025 is one of the pillars of Pakistan’s support for low-income households, providing them with food security through assistance in the form of subsidies and funding. With 40% off on essentials and assistance worth Rs. 20,000, it greatly enhances the living standards for millions. Applicants may approach through the PSER portal, SMS, and in person in order to make the most out of it before the deadline. Ehsaas Rashan Program and the Nigehban Card schemes, in their efforts to solve economic problems, clearly indicate Pakistan’s dedication towards the progress of weaker sections. Join today and benefit from the integral support mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the Ehsaas Rashan Program?
It is an official government program offering subsidized groceries and cash assistance for poor individuals in order to maintain food security. -
How do I find my Rashan Card status online?
Go to ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk, input your CNIC in the “Check Eligibility” area, or wait for an SMS notification. -
Where can the Rashan Card be used?
Use it at authorized utility shops or registered Karyana shops in Punjab for the purchase of subsidized groceries. -
In what ways are Rashan Card and Nigehban Card different?
The Rashan Card is centered on the subsidy on food, whereas the Nigehban Card provides comprehensive support in the form of healthcare and finances. -
Is the Ehsaas Rashan scheme active in 2025?
Yes, active, new registrations are available and pending requests reinstated as of January 12, 2025.
