In a landmark move to empower the most vulnerable segment of society, the Punjab Zakat and Ushr Department has officially approved theWidow Support Card (also referred to as the Bewa Sahara Card) for the year 2026. This initiative, championed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to provide substantial financial relief to widows across the province, with an accumulated support value reaching up to Rs150,000.
As of February 2026, the provincial government has integrated this scheme with a digital payment system to ensure transparency and direct delivery of funds, cutting out middleman interference.
| Feature | Details / Information |
| Total Annual Support | Up to Rs150,000 (Inclusive of monthly & seasonal grants) |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs10,000 to Rs12,500 |
| Eligibility | Widows with Punjab Domicile & low-income status |
| Verification Method | NADRA Biometric & e-Khidmat Centers |
| Registration Status | Open (February 2026) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Bank Transfer / ATM Card |
Punjab’s 2026 Welfare Vision: Strengthening the “Bewa Sahara” Program
The approval of this card marks a significant shift from the traditional “Guzara Allowance” (which was previously limited to small monthly sums) to a comprehensive social protection net. The Zakat Department, in its recent meeting on January 20, 2026, finalized the disbursement of Rs2.75 billion for various Zakat-funded schemes, with the Widow Support Card taking center stage.
1. Financial Breakdown of the Rs150,000 Support
The “up to Rs150,000” figure is a cumulative total designed to cover a widow’s basic needs for a full fiscal year. It typically includes:
- Monthly Stipends: A consistent monthly transfer of Rs10,000.
- Seasonal Grants: Additional lump-sum amounts during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
- Marriage Grant (Social Rehabilitation): If the beneficiary has daughters of marriageable age, they can claim a one-time assistance grant from the Zakat fund, pushing the annual benefit to the Rs150,000 threshold.
2. Strict Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the funds reach the truly deserving (Mustahiqeen), the Punjab government has set the following benchmarks:
- Widowhood: The applicant must provide a NADRA-verified Death Certificate of the husband.
- Residential Status: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab (verified via CNIC).
- Income Level: Preference is given to those not receiving other major stipends (like BISP) or those with a low PMT score.
- Employment: The applicant should not be a government employee or a recipient of a government pension.
3. How to Apply in 2026
The 2026 registration process has been made 100% digital to avoid long queues at department offices:
- Online Portal: Applicants can apply through the official Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) or the Zakat Department website.
- e-Khidmat Markaz: For those not tech-savvy, district e-Khidmat centers are providing free registration services.
- Biometric Verification: It is mandatory to complete biometric verification at the nearest designated bank or e-Khidmat counter by mid-February 2026 to ensure inclusion in the next payment cycle.
Impact and Transparency
The Punjab Zakat and Ushr Department has implemented an internal and external audit mechanism to monitor these funds. By utilizing branchless banking, the government ensures that the money reaches the widow’s bank account directly, which they can withdraw using their Support Card at any ATM.
This scheme is not just about financial aid; it’s about providing dignity. For a widow in Punjab, this card represents a steady lifeline that ensures she no longer has to depend on erratic charity for her daily bread.