Punjab govt launches support card scheme for widows

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a new initiative aimed at providing financial relief to widows across the province. The Support Card Scheme, to be implemented under the Zakat and Welfare Department, is designed to ease economic burdens and support widows in meeting basic household and child-rearing needs.

Under the scheme, each eligible widow will receive Rs 100,000 in cash. Additional financial assistance will be provided based on the number of children: widows with one child will receive an extra Rs 25,000, while those with two children will get an additional Rs 50,000. The scheme is intended to reduce reliance on informal aid and empower widows to maintain financial stability for themselves and their families.

The Zakat and Welfare Department has allocated Rs 4 billion to fund the program, signaling a significant investment in social welfare and women’s economic empowerment in Punjab. Officials say the scheme is expected to be rolled out by the end of this month, with registration drives planned across the province to ensure eligible women can access the benefits quickly.

A senior official from the Zakat and Welfare Department stated, “This initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to providing targeted support for vulnerable groups, particularly widows who face both emotional and financial challenges. By offering direct cash assistance, we hope to give them the means to secure the basic needs of their children and improve their overall quality of life.”

Civil society groups and women’s rights advocates have welcomed the scheme, noting that financial independence is critical for widows who often face social and economic marginalisation. They emphasized the importance of smooth implementation and transparency in ensuring the aid reaches those most in need.

With the Support Card Scheme, Punjab has moved one step further towards strengthening social protection programs aimed at uplifting women, while also creating a framework that could be expanded in the future.