SAHIWAL (Staff Reporter) – Deputy Commissioner (DC) Captain (R) Samiullah Farooq presided over a high-level review meeting to finalize arrangements for the Ramzan Nigheban Ration Card, Sahulat Bazaars, and Nigheban Dastarkhwan initiatives.
The meeting was attended by key administrative officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Osama Majeed Cheema, ADC (General) Niaz Ahmed Mughal, ADC Finance Rana Aurangzeb, Assistant Commissioner Maham Wahid, and SDO Pera Nauman Qaiser, along with representatives from relevant departments.
Financial Relief via Negahban Cards
During the briefing, it was highlighted that following the approval of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, deserving families will receive financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 per family under the Ramadan Negahban Package. To ensure transparent distribution, dedicated Negahban Cards are being issued to eligible households.
Deputy Commissioner Samiullah Farooq clarified that:
Beneficiaries can use these cards at Bank of Punjab (BOP) branchless banking agents.
Funds can be accessed through the 1-Link ATM network.
Cards will also be valid for purchasing essential commodities from designated retail outlets.
Quality Control at Sahulat Bazaars
The DC issued strict directives to ensure that essential items are available in abundance at subsidized rates in all Sahulat Bazaars. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy regarding quality, stating that no compromise would be made on the standard of food items provided to the public.
“Maryam Ke Mehman” Dastarkhwan
In line with the Chief Minister’s vision, the district will launch the “Maryam Ke Mehman” (Negahban Dastarkhwan) initiative. The DC ordered the immediate identification of easily accessible locations in every tehsil to set up these centers. These Dastarkhwans are expected to provide Iftar meals to thousands of fasting citizens daily throughout the holy month.
The Deputy Commissioner concluded by directing all departments to work in coordination to ensure that the benefits of the relief package reach the grassroots level without any delays.