Health Card Program Relaunched. Addressing the gathering, the prime minister described the initiative as a people-centric reform designed to bring healthcare services directly to households. He said the program aims to remove financial barriers that prevent low-income families from accessing proper medical treatment.
According to the prime minister, the health card scheme is not merely a welfare initiative but a state responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens, including laborers, widows, orphans, and daily wage earners.
Origins and Expansion of the Prime Minister’s Health Card
The prime minister recalled that the health card program was first introduced in 2016 under the leadership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Since then, the initiative has expanded rapidly, particularly in Punjab, where billions of rupees are currently being spent to support free and subsidized medical treatment for eligible families.
With its revival in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the program is once again positioned as a key pillar of Pakistan’s public healthcare system.
Focus on the Poor and Marginalized Communities
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that while wealthy individuals can afford expensive treatment anywhere in the world, the true test of a welfare state lies in how it protects its poorest citizens.
He highlighted the devastating impact of untreated illness on working-class families, noting that when a breadwinner falls ill and cannot access treatment, the entire household suffers long-term consequences.
“Healthcare is the right of every Pakistani, whether he is the prime minister or a street vendor,” he stated.
Transparent Implementation and Third-Party Monitoring
The prime minister congratulated Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Health Secretary, and their teams on relaunching the program. He urged authorities to ensure transparent implementation, supported by third-party monitoring, so that patients receive treatment at approved hospitals under proper medical standards.
He expressed confidence that honest and efficient execution of the scheme would not only serve the people but also strengthen public trust in government institutions.
The prime minister further announced that he would personally monitor the program’s progress, conducting inspections in coordination with Islamabad’s health leadership, parliamentarians, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of AJK.
Possibility of Expansion to Sindh
Responding to calls for extending the health card program to Sindh, the prime minister acknowledged the demand as legitimate. He assured participants that he would personally raise the issue with the Chief Minister of Sindh.
He noted that while Punjab has already made significant progress under the program, other provinces operate their own healthcare initiatives. The federal government, he said, remains committed to ensuring that similar healthcare facilities are available across Pakistan.
Health Card Program to Benefit Millions Nationwide
Expressing optimism about the future, the prime minister said the Prime Minister’s Health Card Program would continue to gain momentum, offering relief to millions of families struggling with rising medical costs.
He concluded the ceremony with prayers for the program’s success and for Pakistan’s prosperity, saying, “May Allah help us in serving the people.”
PM Reaffirms Resolve to Defeat Terrorism
In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism through unity and collective national effort.
While chairing a meeting of the Qaumi Paigham-e-Aman Committee, the prime minister said peace, stability, and prosperity remain Pakistan’s top priorities.
He emphasized that the committee would play a vital role in shaping a strong national narrative against extremism, similar to the historic role played by religious scholars during the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan Resources and the Path to Prosperity
The prime minister stated that Pakistan has been blessed with vast natural resources worth trillions of dollars. If managed effectively, he said, these resources could help address long-standing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and public debt.
“This task is difficult, but not impossible,” he remarked, stressing the need for national unity and determination.
Terrorism Remains the Biggest Challenge
Referring to recent history, the prime minister said Pakistan demonstrated its strength during Maareka-e-Haq in May 2026, when the country successfully defended itself against Indian aggression. He attributed the success to divine blessings and the professional capabilities of the armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Despite progress toward development, the prime minister warned that terrorism remains the country’s most serious challenge. He noted that more than 100,000 Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism.
He called on the international community to recognize Pakistan’s sacrifices and stated that the government possesses credible evidence of external support for terrorist elements operating within the country.
Call for Interfaith Harmony and National Unity
The prime minister also highlighted the positive role of religious minorities in Pakistan’s development and stressed the importance of interfaith harmony in ensuring long-term peace.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan would once again defeat terrorism through unity, resilience, and collective resolve.
Conclusion
The revival of the Prime Minister’s Health Card Program in Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward inclusive and equitable healthcare. By prioritizing the needs of the poor and reinforcing transparency, the government aims to restore public confidence and deliver meaningful relief to millions.
