Punjab Minister for Higher Education Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s successor, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, has announced that strict action will be taken against those who increase prices during Ramadan. In a statement issued from Lahore, she stated that laborers with worker cards will receive an additional 7,000 rupees, and those receiving cards will be active. All individuals can withdraw money through the ATM, and there is no need for a bank account. The cards can be used in all Punjab’s convenience stores and home delivery services. Maryam Nawaz said that severe action will be taken on complaints of stockpiling food items, and the government’s price control operation will continue throughout Ramadan. Provincial officials will ensure the availability of essential items at reasonable prices.
Maryam Nawaz has also set a three-month timeline for police reforms. She said that arrangements have been made for maximum convenience in Ramadan and convenience stores, and that the fasting days of our Christian brethren are almost the same as these dates. She urged citizens to report any agent who demands money from them, and strict action will be taken against them. All convenience stores in Punjab’s cities have been operationalized. Maryam Nawaz also announced that affluent individuals will provide meals in Ramadan, and those who receive certificates will be given priority. It is the responsibility of all commissioners and district officials to ensure discipline in this regard, and the quality of food distributed among the poor and needy should be good.
Maryam Nawaz also announced that 40 lakh families in the province will receive an assistance of 10,000 rupees each. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja said that it is our fundamental right to take instructions from the party chairman.
The Sindh government has signed an agreement with the US Department of Agriculture to provide free food and rations to over 200,000 students studying in 1,300 government primary schools in the province under the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program. The program will provide $80 million in financial assistance to the Sindh government.
The federal government has announced that it will provide uninterrupted electricity during the fasting hours of Ramadan. The Lahore High Court has ordered the return of the amount deposited as guarantee in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case by Maryam Nawaz.
Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar has termed the party chairman’s meeting with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as unfortunate. Chairman Senate Committee Syed Waquear Mehdi expressed severe dissatisfaction over the negligence of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
PTI leader Senator Faisal Javed Khan said that Salmnan Akram Raja and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan went to Adiala Jail, but no meeting was held. The party chairman has filed a report in the Supreme Court regarding the facilities available in Adiala Jail.
Sui Southern Gas Company has announced a gas schedule for Sindh and Balochistan during Ramadan. The education department of Sindh has taken a big step against the sale of drugs and weed in schools in Karachi.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a report on the possible weather situation in the country.
According to sources, PTI leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Maryam Nawaz met for 30 minutes in a conference room. PTI leaders were aware of the party chairman’s eye problem since February 9. According to sources, the new moon of Ramadan can be seen on February 19, 2026. The new moon will appear in Pakistani time at 5:01 pm on February 17, 2026.
PTI leader Shir Ali Arbab has accepted responsibility for the alleged death of a woman in a traffic jam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to road closures. The Peshawar High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police and Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to immediately open the roads.
A big gathering has been planned in Saudi Arabia to see the new moon of Ramadan.
