Punjab Labour Minister Conducts Surprise Visit to Social Security Directorate

By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resource Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt paid a surprise visit to the Directorate of Social Security Lahore City to review the monitoring process of the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card being distributed under the Nigehban Ramzan Package, officials said.
The minister’s visit was carried out on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Punjab Social Security Commissioner Zulfiqar Ali Kharal accompanied the minister during the inspection.
During the visit, Butt conducted a detailed review of the biometric verification process for workers and inspected arrangements for providing Maryam Nawaz Rashan Cards to registered industrial workers. He also interacted directly with workers present at the facility, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the support provided through the scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister briefed workers about the financial assistance available under the Ramzan relief package. He said that through the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card, eligible workers can receive ration worth Rs10,000 or equivalent cash assistance.
Butt added that workers registered with the Social Security system, including those who have not yet received the card, are also benefiting from the facility. He said the Bank of Punjab has introduced a simplified payment mechanism to facilitate beneficiaries.
Under the system, workers receive a six-digit confidential PIN code on their mobile phones, enabling them to withdraw funds from the nearest HBL Konnect, UBL Omni, or Alfa Pay agent. After entering the PIN and completing biometric verification, beneficiaries receive Rs10,000 immediately without any deductions, the minister said.
He described the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card as a major relief initiative by the Punjab government aimed at supporting the working class during the holy month of Ramzan.
During the visit, officials from the Social Security Directorate also briefed the minister on the implementation of the Nigehban Ramzan Programme. The minister directed officers to ensure that recovery targets are achieved without delay.
Commissioner Punjab Social Security Zulfiqar Ali Kharal said the performance of field officers is being monitored on a daily basis, adding that clear instructions have been issued to all directors to meet contribution and recovery targets.