Punjab’s Himmat Card: A New Era for Disability Welfare
Having worked closely with social welfare programs across Punjab, I’ve seen firsthand how bureaucratic delays crush the hopes of vulnerable communities. The Himmat Card breaks that cycle entirely. This government initiative, launched in 2024 under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is a direct financial aid program designed to support people with disabilities specifically those assessed as Not Fit to Work through a structured quarterly stipend system. What makes it genuinely different from older schemes is its deliberate socio-economic empowerment architecture rather than mere charity distribution.
The provision of Rs. 10,500 every three months arrives via ATM cards issued by the Social Welfare Department Punjab, targeting 65,000 eligible individuals in phase 2. Unlike fragmented past efforts, this package bundles services into one clean foundation: financial security, dignity, and protection for deserving and needy PWDs across the province. The PML-N government structured this as essential long-term relief rather than a one-off gesture, embedding it within government-supported schemes for low-income families.
What Is Himmat Card?
The Himmat Card isn’t just a payment tool it’s a policy statement. Issued by the Social Welfare Department of Punjab, it targets Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who have been formally assessed as Not Fit to Work. The program was launched in 2024 by Maryam Nawaz Sharif with a sharp focus on welfare and socio-economic inclusion for 85,000 eligible individuals across its expanding phases.
Key programs and what separates them:
- Himmat Card Quarterly stipend for PWDs assessed as Not Fit to Work
- Grounded in verified need cross-referencing disability, employment, and income data
- Backend eligibility verification makes it one of the most credible welfare programs in Punjab
- Direct bank access removes middlemen entirely from the disbursement process
- Covers 85,000 individuals across all phases with an automated, eligibility-driven system
| The Himmat Card is issued by the Social Welfare Department of Punjab, targeting PWDs who are Not Fit to Work. It delivers a quarterly stipend of Rs10,500 directly into a bank account. Launched in 2024 by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the program focuses on welfare and socio-economic inclusion for 85,000 eligible individuals. Key welfare programs covered under the Punjab Social Welfare umbrella: |
| • Himmat Card — Quarterly stipend for PWDs not fit to work |
| • BISP — Benazir Income Support Program for low-income families |
| • Bait ul Maal — Financial aid for the most deprived citizens |
| • Zakat Fund — Religious charity-based assistance for the poor |
| • PSPA — Punjab Social Protection Authority grants |
| • Ehsaas Program — Federal poverty alleviation umbrella |
| • DPMIS — Disability management and registration system |
Program Phases / Batches
The rollout followed a phased strategy that prioritized clean, clear data over speed. Cards were issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with applicants shortlisted against specified criteria. The system is built to scale — as the government adds beneficiaries in future batches, the quarterly distribution continues through an automated process.
| Batch / Phase | Details |
| Batch I | ATM Cards Distribution & Cash Transaction access — 40,000 eligible individuals — COMPLETED |
| Batch II | 25,000 eligible individuals — COMPLETED — Total confirmed: 65,000 beneficiaries |
| Batch III | 20,000 eligible individuals — CURRENTLY UNDERWAY |
| Total Target | 85,000 eligible individuals across all phases |
Important notes on phases:
- Batch I and Batch II are fully completed — 65,000 beneficiaries confirmed
- Batch III for 20,000 individuals is currently underway
- First-come, first-served shortlisting within specified eligibility criteria
- Automated, eligibility-driven process removes manual bottlenecks
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, an applicant must be a PWD certified by the Social Welfare Punjab department and formally assessed as NOT FIT TO WORK — meaning neither employed in a government office nor a private one. The eligibility framework is tighter than most expect.
| ✓ Eligible Criteria | ✗ Disqualifying Factors |
| ✓ PWD certified by Social Welfare Punjab | ✗ Currently employed in government or private sector |
| ✓ Assessed as NOT FIT TO WORK | ✗ Receiving grant from Bait ul Maal |
| ✓ Valid CNIC or B-Form from NADRA | ✗ Registered with Zakat Fund |
| ✓ PMT score of 45 or below | ✗ PSPA grant recipient |
| ✓ Registered in DPMIS with accurate data | ✗ BISP beneficiary |
| ✓ Disability certificate from Social Welfare | ✗ PMT score above 45 |
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Valid CNIC or B-Form from NADRA — must be current and non-expired
- Disability Certificate from the Social Welfare Department
- Verified contact details and residential address in Punjab
- Confirmed unemployed status across both government and private sectors
- Proxy Means Test (PMT) score of 45 or below — verified through BISP
- Full registration in DPMIS confirming contact info and disability status
Women Quota — 30% Reserved
A feature that genuinely stands out is the deliberate 30% quota reserved for women with disabilities. This isn’t tokenism — it’s structural gender inclusion baked into the allocation process, ensuring female PWDs across Punjab aren’t displaced by volume-driven distributions.
| Women Quota (30% Reserved) | General Allocation (70%) |
| 30% quota reserved for women with disabilities | 70% general allocation for all eligible PWDs |
| Enforced at card issuance stage by Social Welfare dept | First-come, first-served basis for general applicants |
| Female PWDs protected from volume-driven displacement | Standard eligibility criteria applies to all |
| Women beneficiaries are a core program success metric | Employment and income-based filtering for all |
| Structural gender inclusion baked into allocation | PMT score of 45 or below required for all |
Registration Process — Online
The digital pathway is managed entirely through the PWD — Persons with Disabilities Mobile App, available on both Android and iOS. Follow the steps below for a smooth online application:
| Step | Action | Description |
| Step 1 | Download App | Download the PWD — Persons with Disabilities Mobile App from Google Play Store or iOS App Store. |
| Step 2 | Create Account | Register using your CNIC number and personal details. Navigate to the Himmat Card option in PWD Services. |
| Step 3 | Submit Form | Fill out the online application form with accurate disability, income, and contact data. Upload all required documents. |
| Step 4 | Medical Check-up | Schedule a Medical Check-up through the app. Disability verification is conducted via the DPMIS portal at dpmis.punjab.gov.pk. |
| Step 5 | Bank Account Setup | Attend a tehsil-level camp for SMS verification. Complete Bank Account Setup with Bank of Punjab (BOP). |
| Step 6 | Collect & Activate Card | Collect the Himmat Card from DHQ Hospital Help Desk. Activate at a BOP ATM by setting your PIN — no withdrawal fees. |
Additional online registration notes:
- PMT Score must be confirmed at 45 or below via the BISP website or app
- Disability Certificate from a district Social Welfare Office or government hospital is mandatory
- DPMIS portal: dpmis.punjab.gov.pk — used for medical verification and SMS confirmation
- ATM card issued nearly instantly at camp; activate by setting PIN at any BOP ATM
- No fees apply on withdrawals — full stipend amount accessible
Registration Process — Offline
For those unable to navigate digital systems, the offline application route runs through the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital or nearest Social Welfare Office. The nearest DHQ hospital hosts a dedicated Himmat Card Help Desk.
| # | Offline Registration Step |
| 1 | Visit the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital or nearest Social Welfare Office in your district. |
| 2 | Bring your CNIC, disability certificate, and all supporting documents. |
| 3 | Fill out the physical application form provided at the Help Desk. |
| 4 | Undergo medical verification by an official panel to confirm disability status. |
| 5 | Attend biometric camp for identity confirmation through fingerprint verification. |
| 6 | Receive notification about the card collection center and collect your Himmat Card. |
| 7 | For assistance, call the toll-free helpline 1312 for walk-in guidance. |
Required Documents
The following documents are required for both online and offline registration. Ensure all documents are current, valid, and accurately match your DPMIS records:
| Document | Details / Purpose |
| Valid CNIC or B-Form | Issued by NADRA — must be current and valid |
| Disability Certificate | Issued by the Social Welfare Department of Punjab |
| Special CNIC with Disability Logo | Bearing disability symbol, issued by NADRA |
| Medical Board Certificate | Issued by an authorized medical board |
| Registered Mobile Number | Active number for SMS notifications |
| Proof of Punjab Residence | Verified residential address within Punjab |
| Recent Photographs | High-quality scans or photos for online upload |
| Income Details / Documents | For cross-checking eligibility and PMT score |
| Completed PWD Registration Form | With attested copies of all supporting materials |
| Biometric Fingerprint Confirmation | Required for identity verification at camps |
Payment / Financial Assistance
Every eligible beneficiary receives Rs. 10,500 per quarter — that’s every 3 months — credited directly to their Himmat Card account. An SMS notifies beneficiaries of payment details. The Himmat Card-linked financial assistance mechanism cuts out middlemen entirely.
| Field | Value | Field | Value |
| Amount | Rs. 10,500 | Frequency | Quarterly (every 3 months) |
| Payment Method | Direct bank transfer | Bank Partner | Bank of Punjab (BOP) |
| Withdrawal | BOP ATM — no fees | Verification | Biometric at ATM |
| Notification | SMS to registered number | Phase 2 Payment | Mid-September 2026 |
| Balance Check | BOP ATM or PWD App | Helpline | 1312 (toll-free) |
Verification, Status Check & Common Issues
Beneficiaries can confirm their application status online at dpmis.punjab.gov.pk/himmatcard-verification or through swd.punjab.gov.pk/Himmatcard. Enter your 13-digit CNIC to get one of three statuses: Approved, Under Verification, or Rejected.
Common Blockers & Resolutions
| ⚠ Issue / Blocker | Resolution / Action Required |
| Invalid Customer Data | Ensure all CNIC, address, mobile, and DPMIS records are accurate and updated before applying. |
| Expired CNIC | Renew CNIC at NADRA before submitting application. Expired CNICs will block payment disbursement. |
| Parallel Grant Conflict | Any active grant from BISP, Zakat Fund, Bait ul Maal, or PSPA disqualifies the applicant. |
| PMT Score Exceeded | PMT score must be 45 or below. Contact BISP office to verify your current score. |
| Missing DPMIS Registration | All data — CNIC, address, mobile number, education, experience — must be registered in DPMIS. |
| Payment Not Disbursed | If quarterly payment isn’t reflected, contact helpline 1312 or visit the district camp office. |
Helpline, Status Check & Balance Inquiry
The 1312 helpline is the Punjab government’s dedicated line for all Himmat Card-related inquiries, assistance, complaints, and PWD information. Operating as a toll-free number, it connects beneficiaries with the helpdesk team for everything from registration to card activation.
| Item | Details |
| Online Portal URL | dpmis.punjab.gov.pk/himmatcard-verification OR swd.punjab.gov.pk/Himmatcard |
| Input Required | Enter your 13-digit CNIC number and submit a verification request |
| Status: Approved | Application has been processed; card will be issued at designated camp |
| Status: Under Verification | Application is being reviewed; await further notification via SMS |
| Status: Rejected | Application did not meet criteria; contact Social Welfare Office for reasons |
| Helpline Number | 1312 — Toll-free dedicated line for all Himmat Card queries |
| Helpline Coverage | Registration inquiries, camp scheduling, eligibility, complaints, NADRA issues |
| Balance Check (ATM) | Insert Himmat Card, enter PIN, select Balance Inquiry or Mini Statement |
| Balance Check (App) | Log into PWD App with CNIC — balance displayed if linked to account |
| SMS Notification | Automatic SMS sent whenever a quarterly payment is credited |
Program Duration & Future Outlook
The program is currently approved until June 2026. Based on patterns in similar government welfare frameworks, programs demonstrating measurable impact within their approved windows typically receive extended mandates. Given the scale of verified disbursements, continuation appears probable.
Key program summary facts:
- Launched: 2024 by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister
- Issuing Authority: Social Welfare Department, Government of Punjab
- Total Target Beneficiaries: 85,000 PWDs across all phases
- Stipend Amount: Rs. 10,500 per quarter — fixed amount
- Bank Partner: Bank of Punjab (BOP)
- Helpline: 1312 — toll-free, dedicated Himmat Card support line
- Online Portal: dpmis.punjab.gov.pk | swd.punjab.gov.pk/Himmatcard
- Current Status: Batch III (20,000 individuals) currently underway
