Punjab approves Widow Support Card Scheme to provide direct financial aid

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved the Widow Support Card Scheme, a welfare initiative aimed at providing direct financial assistance to widowed women across the province, officials said on Sunday.

The scheme, approved by the Punjab Zakat Department, will use Zakat funds to support low-income widows and is expected to be launched later this month. Authorities said the initiative is part of Punjab’s broader social protection measures for vulnerable households.

The programme is being implemented by the Punjab government under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, with oversight from the Punjab Zakat Department.

What is the Widow Support Card Scheme?

The Widow Support Card Scheme is a provincial welfare programme designed to provide structured cash assistance to eligible widows through a dedicated support card, allowing for transparent and targeted disbursement.

Officials said the scheme focuses on widows from low-income households, with additional support for those responsible for dependent children.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be a widow and a permanent resident of Punjab

• Meet Zakat eligibility criteria

• Belong to a low-income household

• Have verified family and income records

Widows with dependent children will be given priority. Final approval will be issued after verification by local Zakat committees.

How much financial support will widows receive?

Under the approved framework:

• Rs. 100,000 base assistance for eligible widows

• Rs. 25,000 additional support for widows with one child

• Rs. 50,000 additional support for widows with two children

Officials said the tiered structure is intended to reflect household responsibilities.

Budget and rollout

A total budget of Rs. 4 billion has been allocated for the scheme. Funds will be distributed in phases following verification at the district level.

Applications will be submitted through local Zakat committees before approval and issuance of the support card.

What happens next?

Authorities said detailed application timelines and disbursement schedules will be announced once the rollout phase begins. The government expects the scheme to benefit thousands of widowed women across Punjab.