CM Punjab Women & Social Protection Schemes 2026 — Dhee Rani, Himmat Card & Ration Card

Punjab has four active social protection schemes in 2026 under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz: the Dhee Rani Program providing cash and a complete wedding package to underprivileged families marrying off their daughters, the Himmat Card giving Rs. 10,500 every quarter to persons with disabilities, the Minority Support Card providing quarterly financial support to eligible minority families, and the Ration Card giving Rs. 3,000 per month in food support to 1.25 million low-income households. All four require a valid CNIC. All four are registered through official Punjab government portals. All four are currently active.

Last Updated: May 2026

What Are CM Punjab Social Protection Schemes?

CM Punjab social protection schemes are welfare programs that provide direct financial support, essential goods, and dignified services to Punjab’s most vulnerable residents — women from underprivileged families, persons with disabilities, religious minority households, and families below the poverty line. They run under the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department, and the Punjab government’s PSER (Punjab Socio-Economic Registry) system.

Each scheme targets a different group and a different kind of need. The Dhee Rani Program covers marriage expenses. The Himmat Card covers disability support. The Ration Card covers monthly food costs. The Minority Support Card covers quarterly financial relief for minorities.

The table below matches your situation to the right scheme.

A family can qualify for more than one scheme if they meet each scheme’s separate eligibility criteria.

Dhee Rani Program — Marriage Support for Underprivileged Families

The Dhee Rani Program provides a cash amount of Rs. 1 lakh delivered via a Bank of Punjab ATM card, a complete dowry package including household items, and free collective wedding arrangements to eligible underprivileged families marrying off their daughters, according to official Punjab government announcements and Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department communications. Phase 4 is active from August 2025 to November 2026, with a last registration date of November 5, 2026.

The program is run by the Punjab Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department. Applications can be submitted online or offline. A dedicated helpline at 1312 is available for queries.

Who Is Eligible for the Dhee Rani Program?

• Permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC
• Low-income family — income must fall below the poverty threshold set by the Social Welfare Department
• The bride must be unmarried at the time of application — an affidavit of unmarried status is required
• The application can be submitted by the bride, her parents, or her legal guardian
• Orphaned girls and girls with disabilities are prioritised in the selection process

What the Package Includes

Each selected family receives, according to official Punjab government announcements:

• Rs. 1 lakh in cash delivered through a Bank of Punjab ATM card
• A complete dowry package including bed, mattress, furniture, kitchen utensils, dinner set, Holy Quran, and prayer mat
• Free collective wedding ceremony — venue, catering, and all marriage arrangements managed by the government

How to Apply for the Dhee Rani Program

1. Go to the official Social Welfare portal of the Punjab government.
2. Find the Dhee Rani Program registration section.
3. Click Register and enter the guardian’s CNIC for initial verification.
4. Complete the online application form with accurate family details — bride details, proof of income, and the affidavit of unmarried status.
5. Upload all required documents clearly.
6. Submit and save your tracking reference number.
7. Track your application status by logging in to the same portal with your CNIC.

If you cannot apply online, visit your nearest District Social Welfare office in person. You can also call helpline 1312 for guidance — this helpline handles Dhee Rani queries directly.

For the complete guide covering required documents, what each dowry item includes, how collective weddings are organised, and what to do if your application is rejected, see the Dhee Rani Program Punjab guide.

Himmat Card — Quarterly Financial Support for Persons with Disabilities

The Himmat Card provides Rs. 10,500 every three months to certified persons with disabilities in Punjab through a dedicated ATM card issued by the Bank of Punjab, according to official Punjab government program details at swd.punjab.gov.pk. Phase 1 covered 40,000 individuals. Phase 2 added 25,000 more. Phase 3, distributing cards to 35,000 additional recipients, is scheduled for October 2026. Total beneficiaries across all three phases: 100,000 individuals.

The card also provides travel concessions, access to assistive devices, and healthcare support for registered persons with disabilities, according to the Punjab Social Welfare Department.

Who Is Eligible for the Himmat Card?

• Must be a permanent Punjab resident with a valid CNIC
• Must hold a valid disability certificate issued or verified by the Punjab Social Welfare Department
• Must be certified as severely disabled — mild disability without significant functional impairment does not qualify
• Family income must fall below the poverty score threshold set by the PSPA
• Must not currently be employed in any formal job
• Must not already be receiving support from BISP, Zakat, or any other PSPA program — these automatically disqualify the applicant

How to Apply for the Himmat Card

Registration is available both online through the DPMIS portal and offline through District Social Welfare offices.

Online registration:

1. Go to the DPMIS Punjab portal — the official platform for disability management and Himmat Card registration.
2. Click Register on the homepage.
3. Enter your CNIC number, personal details, district, and mobile number.
4. Select your disability category and enter your medical board certification details accurately — wrong selection delays verification.
5. Create a password and submit your registration.
6. Log in to your account to complete the Himmat Card application and track your status.
7. Check your eligibility status by entering your CNIC at swd.punjab.gov.pk.

Offline registration:

Visit your nearest District Social Welfare office with your CNIC, disability certificate, and all supporting documents. Office staff will complete the registration on your behalf.

For the complete guide covering required documents, the disability certificate process, how to check your payment status, and what to do if your quarterly payment is delayed, see the Himmat Card Punjab guide.

Minority Support Card — Quarterly Support for Minority Families

The Minority Support Card provides Rs. 10,500 in quarterly financial assistance to eligible minority families across Punjab, according to official Punjab government announcements. The program is administered through the Punjab government’s Minorities Affairs wing and is open to families from recognised minority communities holding a valid CNIC with a Punjab address.

Registration and eligibility details are managed through the Punjab Minorities Affairs Department. Visit the nearest District Minorities Affairs office or the Punjab government’s welfare portal for current registration status and intake windows.

CM Punjab Ration Card — Rs. 3,000 Monthly Food Support

The CM Punjab Ration Card provides Rs. 3,000 per month in cashless food support to over 1.25 million low-income families across Punjab through a digital smart card, according to the Punjab government’s official launch on April 29, 2025, at pser.punjab.gov.pk. The total program budget is Rs. 40 billion. The subsidy is used only for groceries — flour, rice, sugar, ghee, and pulses — at registered utility stores and over 10,000 registered local karyana shops. The card cannot be used for cash withdrawal.

The program launched under CM Maryam Nawaz and is linked directly to the PSER (Punjab Socio-Economic Registry) database — families below the poverty threshold are identified through PSER data, not through a separate income declaration alone.

Who Is Eligible for the Ration Card?

• Permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC and proof of Punjab residence
• Total household monthly income below Rs. 50,000 from all sources combined
• Registered in the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) — registration in PSER is mandatory
• PMT (Proxy Means Test) score below 35 — this is the poverty measurement score used to confirm genuine need
• Must not be a current government employee
• Must not own significant property, vehicles, or other valuable assets that place the household above the eligibility threshold

How to Apply for the Ration Card

1. Go to pser.punjab.gov.pk — the official PSER portal.
2. Click Register and enter your CNIC, mobile number, and email address. Create a password and submit.
3. Fill in your household and income details accurately — all information is cross-checked against NADRA and PSER records.
4. Upload scanned documents as required.
5. Submit your application and note your reference number.
6. Track your case through your PSER dashboard or by sending your 13-digit CNIC to 8123 to receive your eligibility status by SMS.

For families without internet access, registration support is available at PSER facilitation centres — locations are listed at pser.punjab.gov.pk. You can also call 1221 for PSER-related help during office hours.

For the complete guide covering how the digital card works at shops, how biometric verification works at the point of sale, and what to do if your card is not working, see the CM Punjab Ration Card guide.

How to Check Your Status for Any CM Punjab Social Scheme

Every scheme has its own status check method. Use the one that applies to your scheme:

• Dhee Rani Program: Log in to the Social Welfare portal with your CNIC and click the tracking option
• Himmat Card: Enter your CNIC at swd.punjab.gov.pk or log in to the DPMIS portal
• Ration Card: Send your 13-digit CNIC to 8123, or log in to your PSER dashboard at pser.punjab.gov.pk
• All schemes: Call helpline 1312 for Social Welfare Department programs, or 1221 for PSER queries

What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

Application Rejected — Wrong Documents

All four schemes use digital verification. The most common rejection reason across every scheme is a document mismatch — the name, CNIC number, or address on your uploaded document does not match what NADRA has on file. Before applying to any scheme, verify your CNIC details are current at any NADRA e-Sahulat centre. If your CNIC is expired, renew it first — expired CNICs fail verification at every government portal.

Dhee Rani Program — Application Submitted But No SMS Received

Keep your registered mobile number active throughout the selection period. The government sends selection notifications, wedding date confirmations, and ATM card delivery updates by SMS. If your number changes after application, visit the nearest Social Welfare office immediately and update your contact details with your application reference number.

Himmat Card — Quarterly Payment Did Not Arrive

First, log in to the DPMIS portal and check your payment status. If the portal shows payment released but you have not received it, visit your nearest Bank of Punjab (BOP) branch with your CNIC and Himmat Card. The BOP branch handles ATM card activation issues and payment discrepancies directly. You can also call helpline 1312 with your CNIC and application reference number for payment-related queries.

Ration Card — Card Not Working at the Shop

The card requires biometric verification at the point of sale. If the thumbprint scanner rejects your print, ask the shopkeeper to try the other thumb. If the card is declined at a registered shop, visit your nearest PSER facilitation centre or e-Khidmat Markaz with your CNIC and Ration Card. Call the Punjab government toll-free helpline 0800-02345 for card-related complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a family apply for both the Ration Card and the Dhee Rani Program?

Yes. The Ration Card and the Dhee Rani Program have separate eligibility checks and separate budgets. A family that qualifies for both can receive both. The Ration Card covers monthly food costs. The Dhee Rani Program covers marriage expenses. They serve different needs and do not disqualify each other.

Does the Himmat Card work for all types of disability?

The Himmat Card covers persons who are certified as severely disabled by the Punjab Social Welfare Department. Mild disability without significant functional impairment does not qualify in the current phase. The certification must be obtained through the official medical board process under the Social Welfare Department before applying.

Can I use the Ration Card to withdraw cash?

No. The CM Punjab Ration Card is a cashless food subsidy card. It can only be used to purchase approved groceries — flour, rice, sugar, ghee, and pulses — at registered utility stores and registered local karyana shops. Cash withdrawal is not available on this card.

Is there an age limit for the Dhee Rani Program?

No specific age limit is stated for the bride in the current program guidelines. The bride must be unmarried at the time of application, which is confirmed through a notarised affidavit. Orphaned girls and girls with disabilities are prioritised during the selection process regardless of age.

How long does Himmat Card approval take after registration?

Approval timelines vary by district and phase. After registration on the DPMIS portal, the application goes through disability certificate verification and poverty score assessment. Most approvals in Phases 1 and 2 were processed within 4 to 8 weeks. Monitor your status on the DPMIS portal using your CNIC — the portal updates at each stage of verification.

Where can I use the Ration Card for shopping?

The card is accepted at all government-run Utility Stores across Punjab and at over 10,000 registered local karyana shops. Participating shops display an official identification sign. Biometric thumbprint verification is required at the point of sale. The PSER portal at pser.punjab.gov.pk lists registered shops by district.

Also see: Full list of all CM Punjab schemes at paksinfo.com/cm-punjab-schemes/ and all Pakistan government welfare programs at paksinfo.com/pakistan-govt-schemes/.