Introduction
The Ehsaas Rashan Program is one of the most impactful welfare initiatives launched by the Government of Pakistan to support low-income families struggling with rising inflation and food insecurity. Introduced under the broader Ehsaas initiative, the Rashan (ration) program aims to provide subsidized food items and direct assistance to deserving households. Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025 – Complete Guide, Eligibility, and Registration Process
As of 2025, the government continues to expand and digitize the Ehsaas Rashan Program, ensuring that millions of Pakistani families can buy essential food items like flour, sugar, rice, and pulses at affordable prices. The program also includes partnerships with utility stores, local kiryana (grocery) shops, and digital payment systems for transparent and quick distribution.
This article provides a complete overview of the Ehsaas Rashan Program, including its objectives, registration process, eligibility criteria, benefits, and how you can check your eligibility online.
What Is the Ehsaas Rashan Program?
The Ehsaas Rashan Program is a social welfare project launched under the umbrella of the Ehsaas initiative — Pakistan’s largest poverty alleviation program. The main goal is to reduce the financial burden on poor families by providing monthly food subsidies.
The program was first introduced in 2021 under former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help low-income households cope with economic challenges. It was later expanded and upgraded under subsequent governments, and in 2025, the program continues under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) framework, with improved digital registration and verification systems.
Objectives of the Ehsaas Rashan Program
The key objectives of the Ehsaas Rashan Program are:
- To combat inflation and food insecurity:
As food prices continue to rise, many families struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs. The program provides relief through subsidies on daily-use food items. - To ensure transparency in welfare distribution:
By using digital CNIC-based verification and mobile registration portals, the government minimizes corruption and ensures aid reaches genuine beneficiaries. - To empower local shopkeepers:
The program connects small grocery stores (kiryana shops) to the Ehsaas network, allowing them to sell subsidized goods while earning commission-based profits. - To support women-led households:
Priority is given to widows, divorced women, and families with no regular income sources.
Benefits of the Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025
The updated 2025 version of the Ehsaas Rashan Program offers several benefits:
Monthly Subsidy:
Eligible families receive a 40% discount on essential food items such as flour, oil, ghee, pulses, and sugar.
Direct Financial Assistance:
In some areas, families also receive monthly cash support (Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,500) to purchase food items of their choice.
Digital Ration Cards:
Registered families are provided digital Ehsaas Rashan cards linked to their CNIC for easy access at participating shops.
Nationwide Accessibility:
Over 20 million families are registered, and more than 50,000 kiryana shops across Pakistan are connected to the network.
Transparency:
Every transaction is digitally verified, reducing fraud and ensuring accountability.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Pakistani Citizenship:
Only permanent residents of Pakistan with valid CNICs are eligible. - Income Level:
The household’s monthly income must be below Rs. 60,000. Priority is given to daily wage earners and unemployed families. - NADRA and BISP Verification:
Applicants’ data is cross-checked with NADRA and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) databases. - Not a Government Employee:
Families with government employees or pensioners are usually not eligible for this program. - Women Priority:
The program gives preference to female heads of households.
Required Documents for Registration
To apply for the Ehsaas Rashan Program, you’ll need:
A valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
Mobile number registered under your CNIC
Proof of income (if available)
Residential address
Kiryana shop’s name and code (if applying as a shopkeeper)
Ehsaas Rashan Registration Process (2025 Update)
The government has simplified the registration process to ensure that even those with limited internet access can apply easily. There are two main ways to register: via SMS or online portal.
- Registration via SMS (Offline Method)
You can apply through SMS if you don’t have internet access.
Steps:
- Open your mobile phone’s message box.
- Type your CNIC number (without spaces or dashes).
- Send it to 8123.
- You’ll receive a reply confirming your eligibility or registration status.
If you qualify, you’ll receive a follow-up message from the Ehsaas Rashan team about your subsidy and shop details.
- Online Registration via Ehsaas Rashan Portal
For those with internet access, registration can be done online through the official portal.
Steps:
- Visit the official website: https://ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk/
- Click on the “Ehsaas Rashan Registration” option.
- Enter your CNIC number, mobile number, and home address.
- Verify your details using the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your mobile.
- Submit the form and wait for confirmation via SMS.
Once approved, you’ll be able to buy subsidized food from registered shops near your area.
How to Check Ehsaas Rashan Status
You can check your status easily using one of these methods:
Through SMS:
Send your CNIC number to 8123, and you’ll get a message confirming your eligibility.
Through Online Portal:
Visit the official site, click on “Check Status,” and enter your CNIC number.
Through Mobile App:
The Ehsaas Rashan App (available on Google Play) allows users to check eligibility, find nearby shops, and access digital vouchers.
Ehsaas Rashan for Shopkeepers (Kiryana Registration)
The Ehsaas Rashan Program also empowers small business owners. Kiryana shopkeepers can register to sell subsidized items to Ehsaas beneficiaries.
Steps for Shopkeeper Registration:
- Visit the official website or send your CNIC to 8123.
- Select the “Shopkeeper Registration” option.
- Provide your shop’s name, address, and business details.
- Upload your CNIC and bank account information.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a merchant code and start selling subsidized goods.
Benefits for Shopkeepers:
Earn commission on each subsidized sale.
Access to the government’s digital payment system.
Increased customer traffic and income stability.
Ehsaas Rashan Helpline and Support
If you face any issues during registration or verification, you can contact the Ehsaas Helpline:
Helpline Number: 0800-26477
SMS Code: 8123
Website: https://ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk/
Email: info@pass.gov.pk
The helpline operates 24/7 to assist citizens in resolving their complaints and providing guidance.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem Possible Reason Solution
CNIC not recognized Data mismatch with NADRA Visit NADRA office to update your information
SMS not received Network issue Wait and retry after a few hours
Application rejected Ineligible based on income Recheck eligibility or apply through BISP
Shop not accepting Ehsaas card Shop not registered Find another registered kiryana store nearby
Impact of the Ehsaas Rashan Program on Society
The Ehsaas Rashan Program has played a crucial role in poverty reduction and food security across Pakistan. Over the past few years, it has:
Supported millions of low-income families in meeting their basic needs.
Helped reduce malnutrition and food shortages in rural areas.
Boosted local economies by engaging small retailers.
Improved trust in government welfare systems through transparent distribution.
Economists have noted that such targeted subsidies are far more effective than blanket food price controls, as they ensure direct benefits to the most vulnerable.
Future of the Ehsaas Rashan Program
The 2025 roadmap for the program focuses on digital expansion and AI-based verification systems. The government plans to:
Integrate the program fully with BISP and NADRA databases.
Use AI algorithms to identify fake or duplicate entries.
Introduce mobile wallets and QR-based ration cards for seamless transactions.
Expand the network to include more private retailers and supermarkets.
This digital evolution will make the program more efficient, transparent, and accessible to millions of citizens.
Conclusion
The Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025 stands as a symbol of hope and social responsibility in Pakistan’s fight against poverty and hunger. By providing monthly food subsidies and empowering both families and shopkeepers, the initiative creates a balanced ecosystem of welfare and opportunity.
If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, don’t delay your registration. Send your CNIC to 8123 or visit the official portal to apply today. Together, small steps like these can make a big difference in building a hunger-free and self-reliant Pakistan.
