The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has taken a historic step to uplift the economic conditions of minority communities across the province. The government has officially increased the Minority Card program coverage to 100,000 families, ensuring financial assistance to a larger number of deserving households.
This initiative is part of Punjab’s broader social welfare and financial inclusion policies, aimed at supporting marginalized communities and promoting equitable development. Under this updated plan, each eligible family will receive Rs 10,500 every quarter, providing critical support for day-to-day living expenses such as food, education, healthcare, and utilities.
What Is the Minority Card Program?
The Minority Card Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Punjab Social Welfare Department to financially support economically vulnerable families belonging to religious minority communities. The program targets low-income households and families with PMT scores below 45, ensuring that the most deserving individuals benefit.
The purpose of the program is multi-fold:
- Economic empowerment: Provide financial support to minority households.
- Poverty alleviation: Reduce economic disparity in Punjab.
- Social inclusion: Promote equal opportunities for minority communities.
- Educational support: Assist families in paying school fees or educational expenses.
By increasing the number of Minority Cards to 100,000, the government aims to extend this financial safety net to more families, making the program more impactful and inclusive.
Key Benefits of the Minority Card
The updated Minority Card program provides several tangible benefits for eligible families:
- Quarterly financial aid of Rs 10,500 for each household.
- Improved economic stability for low-income minority families.
- Ability to cover essential household expenses, including groceries, utility bills, and healthcare.
- Encouragement for families to invest in education and skill development.
- Strengthened trust between minority communities and the Punjab government.
These benefits make the program a crucial tool for empowering communities that have historically faced economic and social challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Minority Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Resident of Punjab: Only individuals living in Punjab are eligible.
- Belonging to a recognized minority community: Applicants must provide proof of their community affiliation.
- PMT Score below 45: The Poverty Means Test (PMT) score must be below 45 to ensure only the most deserving households are selected.
- Not receiving other government aid: Families already receiving financial assistance from other welfare programs are not eligible.
- Online registration required: Eligible applicants must complete the registration process before 15 February 2026.
The government has stressed the importance of accurate household information, proper documentation, and biometric verification during registration to prevent misuse or duplication of benefits.
How to Register Online
The Punjab government has made the registration process simple and transparent. Eligible families can register online by following these steps:
- Visit the official Minority Card portal.
- Fill in personal details, including name, CNIC, address, and PMT score.
- Upload supporting documents proving eligibility and minority community status.
- Complete biometric verification if required.
- Submit the application before the 15 February deadline.
Applicants are strongly advised to avoid agents or unofficial platforms offering assistance, as these can be fraudulent and lead to loss of aid.
Why This Update Matters
The Minority Card update is significant for several reasons:
- It increases coverage from previous numbers to 100,000 families, directly benefiting more households.
- Provides a quarterly financial cushion of Rs 10,500, helping families cope with inflation and rising living costs.
- Strengthens social justice initiatives in Punjab by focusing on minority welfare.
- Encourages financial literacy and empowerment, as families gain access to formal government aid.
This initiative is also part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s broader vision to promote inclusive growth and ensure no community is left behind in Punjab’s development plans.
Impact on Minority Communities
Economic experts and social welfare advocates have praised the initiative, stating that the Minority Card expansion will have a measurable impact on minority communities, including:
- Reduced financial stress: Families can meet basic needs without relying on informal loans.
- Educational improvements: Parents can allocate funds for children’s education.
- Healthcare support: Assistance can help cover medical expenses, improving overall health outcomes.
- Community uplift: By supporting 100,000 families, the government strengthens minority participation in social and economic activities.
Many families have expressed gratitude, calling the program a lifeline for survival and progress, especially in rural areas where economic opportunities are limited.
Official Statements
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the importance of supporting marginalized communities, saying:
“Minority communities are an integral part of Punjab’s social fabric. This initiative reflects our commitment to equitable growth, social justice, and economic empowerment for all citizens.”
The Punjab Social Welfare Department also issued an advisory, urging families to register on time and follow official site mcard.punjab.gov.pk procedures to ensure seamless access to benefits.
Conclusion
The 2026 Minority Card update is a major step for the economic uplift of Punjab’s minority communities. Each eligible family will receive Rs 10,500 quarterly, and the program complements other government welfare initiatives like BISP, strengthening financial support and social protection. This move reflects Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to inclusive development for minority families.
FAQ — Minority Card Scheme 2026
Q1: What is the Minority Card?
A: The Minority Card is a government welfare initiative in Punjab that provides financial assistance to economically vulnerable minority families. Each eligible household receives Rs 10,500 quarterly.
Q2: Who is eligible for the Minority Card?
A: Residents of Punjab who belong to recognized minority communities, have a PMT score below 45, and are not already receiving other government aid.
Q3: How many families will benefit?
A: Under the latest update, 100,000 families will receive the Minority Card.
Q4: What is the registration deadline?
A: Eligible applicants must register online before 15 February 2026.
Q5: Can existing aid recipients apply?
A: No. Families already receiving government financial aid are not eligible for the Minority Card.
Q6: How will the money be disbursed?
A: Financial assistance of Rs 10,500 will be paid quarterly directly to eligible households, either via bank transfer or designated government channels.
Q7: Where can I register?
A: Registration is done on the official Minority Card portal. Applicants should avoid unofficial agents or third-party platforms.
Q8: Why is PMT score important?
A: The Poverty Means Test (PMT) score ensures that financial aid is directed toward truly needy households and prevents misuse of government funds.