In a country where rising food prices strain household budgets, Pakistan’s Ehsaas Rashan Program stands as a critical safety net for low-income families. Launched in 2021 under the broader Ehsaas social welfare initiative, the program provides subsidized essential groceries, easing the burden on those hardest hit by inflation. As we move through 2025, its role in safeguarding food security remains indispensable for millions.
Bridging the Gap in Food Accessibility
The program was born out of necessity—soaring inflation had pushed basic necessities out of reach for many. Recognizing this crisis, the government stepped in with a structured subsidy system, ensuring that flour, oil, pulses, and other staples remained affordable for the most vulnerable. Over time, the initiative has grown smarter, leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Embracing Technology for Wider Reach
Gone are the days of long queues and cumbersome paperwork. Today, beneficiaries can register and check eligibility with just an SMS—simply text “8123”—or through a user-friendly online portal. This shift to digital platforms has not only simplified access but also minimized delays and corruption, ensuring aid reaches those who truly need it.
While challenges like supply chain disruptions and funding constraints persist, the Ehsaas Rashan Program continues to adapt, proving itself as more than just temporary relief—it’s a sustained effort to combat hunger in Pakistan. For families struggling to put food on the table, this initiative isn’t just policy; it’s a lifeline.
Many people still question whether this program is still active or not. The Ehsaas Rashan Program changes depending on government decisions. Sometimes it stops for a while, and other times it starts again. The best way to get to know its continuity is to send a message on 8123, if you get a reply, the program is still active.
| Feature | 8123 Rashan Program | 8627 Rashan Program |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Standard registration for Punjab’s Ehsaas Rashan Riayat | Regional or federal registration, sometimes linked with USC |
| SMS Code | 8123 | 8627 |
| Scope | Punjab-focused, but widely recognised | Limited or temporary campaigns |
| Portal Access | ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk | Usually no dedicated web portal |
| Items Covered | Subsidy on flour, ghee, sugar, etc. | May vary based on region or utility store policies |
| Target Audience | NSER/BISP verified households | May target broader or different groups |
Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025: Who Qualifies & How to Apply
Who Benefits from the Program?
The Ehsaas Rashan Program is designed to soften the blow of inflation for Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens. By subsidizing essentials like flour, oil, and pulses, it ensures struggling families can afford basic meals. Those eligible include:
- Low-income households earning less than PKR 50,000 per month.
- Individuals with a poverty score below 39 (verified by the National Socio-Economic Registry).
- Widows, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities.
- Existing beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
Key Updates in 2025
This year, the program has undergone major improvements to widen its impact:
✅ Subsidy increased from PKR 2,000 to PKR 4,500 per month.
✅ Expanded reach to more underserved regions.
✅ Simpler registration via SMS (text “8123”) and the online portal.
Eligibility Checklist
Before applying, ensure you meet these criteria:
✔ Monthly income ≤ PKR 50,000.
✔ Valid CNIC (computerized national ID card).
✔ Registered mobile number (under your name).
✔ NSER registration (to verify poverty score).
✔ Only one application per household.
Documents Needed
- CNIC copy.
- Active mobile number (for OTP verification).
- Proof of income or utility bills (if requested).
Online Registration Steps
- Visit the portal: Go to ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk.
- Enter details: Input your 13-digit CNIC (no dashes).
- Verify contact: Provide your registered mobile number.
- Submit: Click “Register” and await an SMS confirmation.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about eligibility, text 8123 for instant status checks.
How to Register via SMS (8123)
- Send your 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 8123.
- Wait for a response confirming your eligibility.
- Follow any additional instructions provided in the SMS.
Ehsaas Rashan Program 2025: How to Check Status, Use Subsidies & Resolve Issues
How to Check Your Registration Status
Wondering if you’re approved for the Ehsaas Rashan subsidy? Here are three quick ways to verify:
1. Via the Ehsaas Web Portal
- Visit ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk
- Enter your 13-digit CNIC (no dashes).
- Click “Check Eligibility” – your status will appear instantly.
2. SMS Inquiry (8123 Service)
- Text your CNIC number to 8123.
- You’ll receive a reply confirming:
- Approval status.
- Subsidy amount (PKR 2,000–4,500).
- Nearest registered grocery store.
3. Mobile-Based Check
- Ensure your SIM is registered under your CNIC.
- Send an SMS with your CNIC to 8123 (free of charge).
- No reply? Double-check your mobile registration or try the portal.
Understanding the Rashan Riayat Subsidy
Monthly Support & Where to Shop
✅ Subsidy Range: PKR 2,000–4,500/month, based on:
- Household income.
- Location (urban/rural).
- Family size.
🛒 Where to Use It:
- Registered kiryana stores (local groceries).
- Utility Stores Corporation (USC) outlets.
Discounts on Essentials
| Item | Discount (%) |
|---|---|
| Atta (Flour) | 30-40% |
| Ghee/Oil | 30-40% |
| Pulses | 30-40% |
| Sugar | 30-40% |
The program covers:
- Flour (atta)
- Cooking oil/ghee
- Sugar
- Pulses (daal)
- Rice
Ehsaas Rashan Card: How It Works
Getting Your Card
- After approval, some beneficiaries receive a Rashan Card (physical/digital).
- Others use their CNIC directly at partner stores.
Key Benefits
✔ No cash needed – deductions apply at checkout.
✔ Transparent tracking – prevents fraud.
✔ Widely accepted at 50,000+ stores nationwide.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
❌ Problem: “CNIC not registered with NSER.”
✅ Solution: Visit the nearest Ehsaas Center or call 0800-26477 for help.
❌ Problem: “No SMS reply after applying.”
✅ Fix:
- Ensure your mobile number matches your CNIC registration.
- Check for typos in the CNIC.
- Try the web portal as an alternative.
❌ Problem: “Store refuses subsidy.”
✅ Action: Report the issue via:
- Ehsaas Helpline: 0800-26477.
- Punjab Ehsaas Complaint Portal: ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk/complaints.
8123 vs. 8627: What’s the Difference?
- 8123: The primary SMS code for Punjab’s Ehsaas Rashan registration/checks.
- 8627: Occasionally used for:
- Federal-level rollouts.
- Pilot programs (e.g., Utility Stores Corporation campaigns).
👉 Always use 8123 unless instructed otherwise by official sources.
Final Tip: Subsidies reset monthly—use them before they expire! For real-time updates, bookmark the official Ehsaas portal.
How to register for Ehsaas Rashan?
SMS CNIC to 8123 or register at rashan.pass.gov.pk
Is there any fee?
No, registration is 100% free
Can I check eligibility online?
Yes, at rashan.pass.gov.pk
How much discount will I get?
30% to 40% depending on item
Why the Ehsaas Rashan Program Matters More Than Ever in 2025
As Pakistan navigates persistent economic pressures—soaring inflation, fluctuating food prices, and squeezed household budgets—the Ehsaas Rashan Program stands as one of the most effective shields protecting vulnerable families from hunger. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has evolved from emergency relief to a sustained lifeline, ensuring millions can afford basic groceries with dignity.
A Critical Buffer Against Inflation
The numbers tell the story: flour prices up 35%, ghee 28%, pulses 40%—staggering hikes that turn daily meals into a struggle for low-income households. The program’s PKR 2,000–4,500 monthly subsidy isn’t just aid; it’s the difference between a family eating three meals or one. In 2025, as global supply chains remain volatile, this targeted support prevents the most vulnerable from slipping deeper into poverty.
Digital Simplicity Meets Real-World Impact
What sets Ehsaas Rashan apart is its no-frills accessibility:
- A farmer in rural Punjab checks his subsidy via one SMS to 8123.
- A widow in Karachi verifies her eligibility on the web portal while avoiding long queues.
- A daily-wage laborer collects discounted flour by simply presenting his CNIC at a neighborhood kiryana store.
This blend of low-tech and digital solutions ensures even the least tech-savvy citizens aren’t left behind—a model other welfare programs could learn from.
The Road Ahead: Smarter, Fairer, Wider Reach
The government’s 2025 vision for Ehsaas Rashan focuses on inclusion and innovation:
✔ Database integration to eliminate duplicate beneficiaries and leakages.
✔ Expanded partnerships with banks and retailers for smoother subsidy distribution.
✔ Poverty-score reviews to adapt to changing economic realities.
✔ Potential unification of welfare benefits (Rashan, education, healthcare) under a single Ehsaas Digital Card.
A Program That Works—When It Reaches the Right People
Challenges remain: some eligible families still face registration hurdles, while others report inconsistent stock at partner stores. Yet, the program’s transparency mechanisms—SMS tracking, online portals, and helplines—empower citizens to hold the system accountable.
The bottom line? In a time of economic uncertainty, Ehsaas Rashan isn’t just about food—it’s about stability. By keeping pantries stocked, it allows parents to redirect scarce funds toward medicine, school fees, or rebuilding savings. As the program refines its approach in 2025, its success will hinge on two priorities: listening to beneficiaries and closing the last-mile gaps in delivery.
