Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched the “Maryam Nawaz Ration Card” scheme, a new initiative aimed at ensuring food security for 40,000 mine workers across Punjab. The scheme was inaugurated at a formal ceremony organized by the Mines & Minerals Department.

Provincial Minister for Mines, Sher Ali Gorchani, who served as the chief guest at the event, described the initiative as a tangible expression of the Chief Minister’s commitment to social justice and economic dignity for the working class.

“Through this scheme, mine workers will receive monthly rations worth up to Rs3,000,” he stated.

He further announced that the value of this financial assistance would be increased in the future. “Punjab’s development agenda has evolved—our focus is now centered on human welfare and social equity, not just infrastructure,” Gorchani added.

Highlighting inclusivity, the minister noted that many of the ration cards distributed at the ceremony were awarded to workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“For Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, every laborer matters—regardless of their province of origin,” he said.

Gorchani also outlined recent achievements of the Mines & Minerals Department, revealing that it had generated a record Rs30 billion in revenue through a transparent e-auction process, setting a new benchmark for mineral sector governance in the country.

Speaking at the event, Secretary Mines & Minerals Parvez Iqbal Butt announced a significant increase in the welfare fund for mine workers, from Rs700 million to Rs3 billion.

He also revealed a special relief package worth Rs1.5 billion for the current year.

“Our primary goal is to ensure transparency and merit in delivering benefits and services to workers,” said Butt.

He further announced new initiatives for the children of mine workers, including the distribution of free laptops, electric bikes, and academic scholarships to support their education and development.