Government of Punjab’s Social Welfare Programs – Empowering Lives, Transforming Futures

Punjab, as Pakistan’s most populous and dynamic province, has made remarkable progress in social welfare under proactive governance, particularly since 2024. Led by a clear vision of inclusion and dignity, the Government of Punjab—through the Social Welfare Department, Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), and other agencies—has launched a suite of programs addressing healthcare, poverty alleviation, disability support, gender equity, and community empowerment.

Healthcare & Medical Aid Initiatives

Medical Social Services Units (MSSU)
The Social Welfare Department operates 113 Medical Social Services Units (MSSUs) in tertiary and district hospitals across Punjab. Punjab Schemes provide infromation in this regard. These units offer free medicines, treatment, and psycho-social counseling to indigent patients. When government funding falls short, Patient Welfare Societies and Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal step in to fill the gap

Sehat Sahulat Program
Launched in 2015, the Sehat Sahulat Program provides low-income families with free access to hospitalizations, surgeries, and diagnostics through Sehat Insaf Cards—covering treatments such as cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, and kidney diseases. Over 43 million families nationwide, including Punjab, are benefiting

???? 2. Senior Citizens Welfare

In a significant move, Punjab is set to enact the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2024, which proposes:

A Citizens’ Welfare Council and a Rs 200 million seed fund.
Old age homes in all 41 districts.
Free medical/geriatric care and legal aid via collaborations with bar councils.
A toll-free helpline and maintained database of senior citizens

This legislation underscores Punjab's priority to bestow respect, support, and dignity on the elderly.

♿ 3. Disability & Inclusivity Schemes

Himmat Card Program
Introduced in October 2024, the Himmat Card offers quarterly financial assistance of Rs 10,500 to persons with disabilities (PWDs). With a budget of Rs 2.6 billion, it initially reached 40,000 recipients and later expanded to 65,000

Assistive Devices & Wheelchair Program
Complementing the Himmat Card, this initiative (with Rs 1 billion allocated) provides up to 17 types of assistive devices, including prosthetics. By June 2025, 7,000 devices had been delivered, with plans to reach 17,000 beneficiaries

Hum Qadam Program
Operated by PSPA, this program offers unconditional monthly cash support (approx. Rs 2,000) to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusion and basic living standards

Masawaat Program for Transgender Persons
Also under PSPA, Masawaat provides:

Monthly cash stipends (Rs 3,000 for elderly, Rs 2,000 for disabled transgender individuals).
Free medical camps, interest-free business loans (up to Rs 100,000).
Vocational training, job placement, housing assistance, and legal aid

???? 4. Women & Girls Empowerment

Dhee Rani Program
Launched in 2024–25, this initiative supports the marriages of underprivileged, orphaned, and differently-abled women. Each beneficiary receives:

Rs 100,000 in cash.
A household items package worth Rs 206,000.
Support for a dignified wedding celebration, covering venue and guest meals

In its first phase, 1,500 marriages took place; the second phase intends to assist another 1,500 couples

???? 5. Poverty Mitigation & Housing Security

Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program
Launched in 2024, this housing scheme aims to build 100,000 homes with interest-free loans or installment options, enabling low-income families to access affordable housing

Nigheban Card & Wheelchair Distribution
In 2024–25, Rs 2,401 million were allocated for the Himmat Card, Nigheban Card (supporting destitute/vulnerable individuals), and assistive device distribution—paying for essential gear like wheelchairs and hearing aids

????‍???? 6. Economic Empowerment & Youth Development

e-Rozgaar Program
Since 2017, this flagship PITB initiative trains university graduates in digital skills and freelancing (e-commerce, design, programming), targeting to generate 10,000 freelancers per month

Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme
Launched in January 2025 by CM Maryam Nawaz, this scheme provides interest-free loans:

Tier 1: Rs 1–5 million (unsecured).
Tier 2: Rs 6–30 million (secured).
Repayment grace varies between 3–6 months, and applicants must meet residency, credit, and tax-filing criteria

Kisan Card Scheme
Empowers farmers with financial access—loans, fertilizers, insurance—via a biometric-enabled card. A 10 billion rupees subsidy has been disbursed so far

???? 7. Digital & Civic Services

Punjab continues to digitize services via:

e-Khidmat Markaz: One-stop service centers (land records, certificates, taxation)
ePay Punjab: Secure online platform for payments
Qeemat Punjab: Real-time monitoring of essential commodity prices
Maryam Ke Dastak: Home-delivery of government services like licensing

???? 8. Education & Skills Development

Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF)
Since 2008, PEEF has offered merit- and need-based scholarships, distributing over PKR 30.25 billion to 475,000 students from across Pakistan

Special & Non-formal Education Departments
Punjab runs 248 special education institutions for disabled children since 2003, catering to nearly 28,850 learners .The Non-Formal Basic Education Dept. focuses on functional literacy and vocational skills, targeting dropouts with JICA/UNICEF collaboration

???? 9. Provincial Budget & Social Spending

In FY 2024–25, Punjab allocated Rs 4 billion to the Social Welfare Department. Of this:

Rs 1.2 billion supports ongoing schemes (VAWCs, homes for women and children, etc.).
Rs 2.8 billion funds new programs: Himmat Card, Nigheban Card, prosthetic and assistive devices

???? Impact & Forward Vision

Punjab's vibrant social welfare architecture is modernizing with:

Cutting-edge healthcare access (MSSU, Sehat Sahulat).
Aged-care infrastructure (Senior Citizens Bill).
Empowerment for PWDs, women, transgender communities.
Educational upliftment and e-learning.
Economic inclusion via loans, digital services, freelancing training.

Reported achievements include:

65,000 PWDs supported.
7,000 assistive devices already distributed.
1,500 marriages funded.
475,000 scholarships disbursed.
43 million families served via health insurance.

These initiatives showcase a provincial government committed to equitable growth, inclusive development, and digital transformation—shaping a Punjab where no one is left behind.

???? SEO Highlights & Suggested Keywords

Incorporate keywords like: “Punjab government social welfare,” “Himmat Card Punjab,” “Dhee Rani program,” “Sehat Sahulat Punjab,” “Punjab e‑Rozgaar freelancing,” “Punjab Senior Citizens Bill,” and “Punjab disability empowerment”.

???? What Lies Ahead

Legislative approval of the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill.
Expansion of all-mode support for PWDs and transgender communities.
Scaling digital training and loan schemes for women, youth, and entrepreneurs.
Further investment in special schools and non-formal education.
Deepening digital civic services—more e‑pay, price monitoring, and doorstep delivery, ensuring bureaucracy-free convenience.

Through this multifaceted welfare push, Punjab is emerging as a model for provincial social policy—tackling inequality, ensuring dignity, and fostering opportunity across every community.

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