Punjab’s government has introduced the CM Punjab Minority Card 2025, a new welfare program led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to support religious minority communities across the province. The initiative is designed to ease financial burdens, improve access to education and healthcare, and provide festival-time relief for struggling households.

What the Program Offers

The card is more than just a stipend. It covers multiple areas of daily life:

• Quarterly allowance: Families receive PKR 10,500 every three months.
• Festival grant: A bonus of PKR 15,000 is issued during major religious festivals, up from PKR 10,000 in earlier versions of the scheme.
• Education aid: Scholarships are available for school, college, and university students from minority families.
• Healthcare support: Free or subsidized treatment at designated hospitals.
• Skills training: Vocational courses and job-oriented programs aimed at empowering young people.

Officials describe the package as a social uplift program, not just financial relief, since it combines cash assistance with long-term opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

The card is reserved for low-income minority families in Punjab, specifically Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, and Jains. Key conditions include:

• Applicant must be the head of household.
• Must hold a valid CNIC and reside in Punjab.
• A PMT (Proxy Means Test) score of 45 or below is required, which is verified through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
• Families already benefiting from BISP or Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) programs are not eligible.

The PMT score, based on household income, assets, and living conditions, ensures that only the most vulnerable families qualify.

Registration and Verification

Applications can be filed online at mcard.punjab.gov.pk or through Minority Affairs/PSPA offices for those without internet access. Required documents include CNIC, NSER slip, income proof, and residence verification.

Once submitted, applicants can track their status online using their CNIC or tracking ID, avoiding the hassle of repeated office visits.

Why This Program Matters

Punjab’s minorities—who often face limited access to resources—stand to gain significantly. By digitizing the process, the government has also attempted to cut down corruption and favoritism, a common criticism of welfare schemes in the past.

The program is expected to provide relief to thousands of families struggling with rising inflation, while also improving long-term access to education and healthcare. Analysts say the initiative could help bridge socio-economic gaps and promote inclusivity in Punjab’s development agenda.

Application Window

The initial deadline was 5 January 2025, but further registration rounds may open depending on budget availability. Updates are posted on the official portal.

Contact Information

• Helpline: 1040 (during office hours)
• Website: mcard.punjab.gov.pk
• Offices: Minority Affairs and PSPA centers across Punjab