In just two years, the Government of Punjab has launched more than 100 development and welfare initiatives, with over 50 already completed. Each project introduced by the Punjab government is distinct from the previous one. One of the most notable features of these initiatives is that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurates a project only when it is ready to start delivering tangible benefits to the public. The era when government projects remained confined to files is now over.
Maryam Nawaz is a pragmatic leader who strongly dislikes the political sloganeering and unrealistic promises that characterized past governments. For this reason, she personally reviews every aspect of public relief initiatives before ensuring that their benefits reach the people. A true welfare state is one where real public problems are addressed and citizens receive practical relief.
During her first two years in office, Maryam Nawaz has introduced several transformative initiatives that are directly benefiting ordinary citizens. Programs such as the ration card, the minority card, and the Himmat Card are already supporting thousands of people across Punjab.
Now, the Chief Minister has approved the launch of the “Rehmat Card” program for widows and orphaned children. Without doubt, this is a highly commendable initiative of the Punjab government. In every community there are many dignified yet struggling widows and orphaned children who manage their households with great difficulty. Many orphaned children are forced to abandon their education due to financial hardships and, in some cases, are pushed toward child labor.
Through the new Rehmat Card program, widowed women will receive financial assistance of Rs. 100,000, while orphaned children will receive Rs. 25,000 each. In its first phase, the Punjab government aims to provide support to more than 50,000 vulnerable households through this initiative.
While approving the program, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that this is not charity; rather, it is the state assuming responsibility for the welfare of widows and orphaned children. She stated that every child has the right to education, and through the Rehmat Card program, orphaned children will be able to continue their schooling.
The program will be formally launched after Eid. Registration will be facilitated through a dedicated mobile application, a web portal, and direct submissions at the offices of the Zakat and Ushr Department.
The Chief Minister has also stated that every citizen has an equal right to the resources of Punjab, and all available means will be used to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly deserve it. Punjab is envisioned as a province where the government itself takes responsibility for the welfare of every individual. Through this program, widows and orphaned children will be able to live with financial independence and dignity.
The initiative will be led by Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah. Rashid Nasrullah is known as a dedicated and hardworking grassroots worker. He was entrusted with this responsibility due to the personal interest of Nawaz Sharif. Maryam Nawaz is also highly impressed with his performance. Being closely connected to the grassroots, he understands the realities and challenges faced by ordinary citizens and possesses the capability to ensure that the benefits of this program reach the rightful beneficiaries.
The program will formally commence after Eid.
One of Maryam Nawaz’s most remarkable qualities is her commitment to merit and good governance. Recommendations and favoritism have no place in her initiatives. Whether it is the electric bikes program, the e-taxi scheme, scholarships, laptop distribution, the Asaan Karobar initiative, the Green Tractor program, or the Super Seeder distribution-there are dozens of welfare schemes that can be cited as examples. In all of these programs, relief has been provided strictly on merit.
Most notably, under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program, more than 120,000 individuals have been provided with their own homes. Not a single beneficiary received assistance through recommendation; all applicants applied online, and only those who met the merit criteria were selected.
Because of Maryam Nawaz’s governance style and relief-oriented policies, her popularity is increasing beyond Punjab. People in other provinces are now questioning their own leadership: if development and relief are possible in Punjab, why not in their regions?
Maryam Nawaz has encouraged people to speak up and demand their rightful share. This is one of the reasons why she has become particularly popular among the youth. She prioritizes young people in nearly every program. Perhaps this is why she once stated in a speech that the year 2026 will be the year of the youth.