By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Labour and Human Resource, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, addressed an important press conference today, announcing the successful launch of a landmark relief package for workers across the province. He stated that another promise made by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has now been fulfilled.
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Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government has officially launched a comprehensive ration card subsidy program, aiming to benefit 1.2 million deserving families. Each registered family will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs. 3,000 through the new ration card system.
“This initiative will ensure food security for every working-class household,” said Minister Khokhar. “It is the largest welfare initiative in Punjab’s history directly targeting the labor class.”
The program has officially begun on a district-wise basis, with the first phase including Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Kasur, Lahore and More. More districts will be added each month, and the distribution is expected to be completed across all districts within five to six months.
The Minister emphasized that the program is being implemented through the joint efforts of the Labour Department, Bank of Punjab, PITB, and other relevant departments. “The ration card distribution will be monitored on a daily basis, and there will be zero tolerance for any deductions or irregularities,” he assured.
Highlighting structural reforms, Minister Khokhar revealed that the Labour Department has undergone historic legislative changes after 75 years. “This is a revolutionary step never taken before in the Ministry of Labour,” he noted, also commending the department’s officers and staff for their dedication.
In addition to the ration card program, Minister Khokhar made several announcements regarding social security institutions:
All social security hospitals are being upgraded, Outdated medical machinery is being replaced at a cost of Rs. 5.5 billion, double shifts have been introduced in all hospitals, Dental surgeons are now available across facilities, New posts for physiotherapists have been approved in the latest board meeting and Daycare centers across Punjab are being improved.
He further reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the minimum wage of Rs. 40,000 is fully implemented across the province.
In conclusion, Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that these initiatives reflect Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s worker-friendly leadership and commitment to the welfare of the working class. “No laborer in Punjab will be left behind. We will register every worker and ensure their welfare,” he declared.
