What is the Himmat Card Phase 2?
The Punjab Himmat Card Phase 2 is a significant welfare initiative by the Government of Punjab (Pakistan), aimed at supporting persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) across the province. According to the official portal, Phase 2 expands the programme by adding 25,000 additional beneficiaries on top of Phase 1’s ~40,000, thereby covering around 65,000 persons in total. Each eligible card-holder receives a quarterly stipend of Rs 10,500 via a dedicated ATM-card system with biometric verification.
Key Features
Here’s a quick table summarising the major features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase | Phase 2 (Aug 2025 onwards) |
| New beneficiaries | 25,000 additional PWDs |
| Total coverage | ~65,000 PWDs (40,000 in Phase 1 + 25,000 in Phase 2) |
| Stipend amount | Rs 10,500 per quarter |
| Access method | ATM card + biometric verification |
| Priority targeting | PWDs missed in Phase 1, flood-affected, rural areas |
| Special quota | 30% reserved for disabled women |
Why Phase 2 Matters
From my practical perspective working with social welfare clientele in Punjab, I see three major reasons why this phase matters:
- Greater reach – Many deserving PWDs in remote or rural areas were left out in Phase 1; Phase 2 broadens that coverage.
- Financial stability – A quarterly stipend of Rs 10,500, while not large, provides a reliable support base for basic needs like medicine, transport, or household expenses.
- Dignified approach – The use of biometric-verified ATM cards reduces the dependency on middle-men and increases transparency. According to media sources, a dedicated monitoring cell has been set up to ensure smooth implementation.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for this scheme under Phase 2, applicants must satisfy certain criteria as outlined by the Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mal Department. Some of the common eligibility requirements:
- Must be a resident of Punjab, with valid CNIC.
- Must have a valid disability certificate issued by the relevant government body.
- Household must meet means-testing/poverty criteria (PMT score threshold as per government rules).
- Ideally, did not receive major financial assistance from other major programmes (to avoid duplication).
- Special quota ensures that 30% of the beneficiaries are women.
Documents Required
Applicants typically need to present:
- CNIC and photograph
- Valid disability certificate
- Proof of residence (utility bill or domicile)
- Income/means information as required
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
From what I have observed in local centres and through official guidelines, the process is fairly straight-forward:
- Locate the nearest social welfare camp / e-Khidmat centre (or an online portal if available)
- Submit your application form with documents (offline) or online if the portal has opened.
- Undergo verification, biometric identity check, cross-checking disability records, and means-test validation.
- Once approved, the beneficiary is issued the Himmat Card.
- Funds (Rs 10,500 quarterly) can be withdrawn via ATM using biometric authentication, or from designated cash centres if ATM access is difficult.
It’s also worth noting that the official portal of the scheme is available here: Visit Official Website Punjab Government
What Are the Challenges?
No scheme is flawless, and in my experience the Himmat Card Phase 2 faces a few practical challenges:
- Some beneficiaries face difficulty in ATM withdrawal due to card-activation/biometric mismatch issues.
- Ensuring all eligible PWDs in remote villages know about the scheme and apply in time remains a challenge.
- Fraudulent applications or duplicate registrations need constant monitoring; the monitoring cell is meant to address that.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The government has indicated that expansion will continue beyond Phase 2, with plans to bring even more PWDs into the net and further ease access.Some future goals include:
- Increasing beneficiary numbers significantly by 2026
- Offering supplementary services like assistive devices, special education, and healthcare support
- More digitalisation to reduce processing time and improve transparency
Conclusion
For differently-abled citizens of Punjab, the Himmat Card Phase 2 is more than just a stipend, it’s a meaningful step toward inclusion, dignity and financial relief. If you or someone you know fits the eligibility criteria, I strongly recommend visiting your local social welfare office or checking the official portal to apply. With consistent implementation, this programme could make a real difference in many lives.
FAQs
- What is the Himmat Card Phase 2 stipend amount?
Each beneficiary receives Rs 10,500 every quarter (three months) under Phase 2. - How many new beneficiaries are added in Phase 2?
Phase 2 adds 25,000 new PWDs, bringing total expected coverage to about 65,000. - When did Phase 2 launch?
The Phase 2 rollout began around August 2025 under the Punjab government. - Who is eligible to apply?
Residents of Punjab with a valid CNIC, disability certificate, and meeting means-test criteria are eligible. - Is there a quota for women?
Yes, 30% of the beneficiaries are reserved for disabled women. - How do I apply for the scheme?
You can apply via local welfare camps / e-Khidmat centres. Online portal options may also become available. - How are payments delivered?
Payments are withdrawn via an ATM card equipped with biometric verification or through designated cash-centres. - What if I cannot access an ATM?
Alternative withdrawal from cash-centres is available in areas where ATM access is limited. - What happens after I apply?
After document submission and verification, you receive the Himmat Card and quarterly stipend disbursements begin. - Where can I check official information?
Official information is available on the Government of Punjab’s portal.
