CM Punjab Ration Card 2026 – Complete Guide to Helpline, Eligibility, Registration
The Punjab Government has officially launched the CM Punjab Ration Card 2026, widely known as the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Program, to provide monthly subsidized food items to low-income and vulnerable families across the province.
Under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, this flagship welfare initiative aims to reduce food insecurity, control household expenses, and strengthen social protection by integrating modern digital verification systems with on-ground ration distribution.
This ultra-premium guide explains everything you need to know—from helpline numbers and eligibility checks to registration, benefits, and complaint mechanisms (2026 updated).
Punjab Ration Card Helpline & Official Contact Details (2026)
To ensure transparency and citizen convenience, multiple official support channels have been introduced:
Primary Welfare Helpline
- 1312
Dedicated helpline for all CM Punjab social protection and ration initiatives
Alternate Verification Support
- 8171
Linked with Benazir Income Support Programme / Ehsaas databases
Used for PMT score, poverty status, and eligibility cross-checks
Official Registry Website
- Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER)
Portal:pser.punjab.gov.pk
Complaint & Information Email
⚠️ Only use official numbers and portals. Any unofficial WhatsApp numbers or agents claiming fast approval are fraudulent.
How to Check Eligibility in 2026 (8123 & 8171 Explained)
The CM Punjab Ration Card 2026 operates through a fully digital eligibility system, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Method 1: Eligibility Check via SMS (8123)
This is the primary ration card verification code.
Steps:
- Open your mobile SMS app
- Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes)
- Send it to 8123
Result:
You will receive an SMS confirming whether you qualify for the monthly ration subsidy.
Method 2: PMT Score Check via SMS (8171)
Since the ration card is integrated with BISP/Ehsaas data, this method checks your poverty score.
Steps:
- Type your CNIC number
- Send it to 8171
Eligibility Rule:
- Families with a PMT score below 32 are generally eligible for the Punjab Ration Card.
Key Features of the CM Punjab Ration Card 2026
1. Monthly Subsidized Food Items
Eligible families receive discounts on essential commodities, including:
- Wheat Flour (Atta)
- Ghee / Cooking Oil
- Sugar
- Pulses (Daal)
This subsidy significantly reduces monthly grocery expenses for low-income households.
2. Province-Wide Merchant Network
The program is connected with:
- Thousands of Karyana (grocery) stores
- Utility Stores across Punjab
Beneficiaries can collect ration from authorized nearby shops, eliminating long queues.
3. Biometric Verification System
To prevent misuse:
- Beneficiaries must carry their original CNIC
- The shopkeeper verifies identity via thumbprint biometric system
- Ration is issued only after successful verification
4. Completely Free Program
- No registration fee
- No monthly charges
- No deductions allowed
🚫 If anyone demands money for registration or ration issuance, report immediately to 1312.
Registration Process for New Applicants (2026)
If you are not already registered, follow this verified process:
Step 1: Visit the PSER Portal
Go to the official PSER Punjab website and review registration guidance.
Step 2: Locate a Registration Center
Find your nearest:
- PSER Registration Center
- Tehsil Office
Step 3: Complete the Dynamic Survey
Provide accurate household details:
- Monthly income
- Number of family members
- Electricity bill information
- CNIC verification
This data determines your PMT score.
Step 4: SMS Confirmation
Once verified:
- You will receive an eligibility confirmation SMS
- Your ration card status will be activated automatically
Important Advisory for Citizens
- Always use 8123 and 8171 for verification
- Keep your PSER data updated
- Carry original CNIC during ration collection
- Never pay any agent or middleman
The CM Punjab Ration Card 2026 represents a major step toward digital welfare governance, ensuring that food subsidies reach only the most deserving families with dignity and transparency.
