Introduction:
The Ehsaas Program (Urdu: احساس پروگرام), launched in March 2019 by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stands as Pakistan’s most ambitious social welfare initiative. It was designed to reduce poverty, empower women, and provide financial security to millions of struggling families across the country. Through innovative use of digital technology, data transparency, and inclusive policies, Ehsaas became a model of modern social protection, recognized by the World Bank and The Lancet Global Health as one of the most impactful welfare programs in the developing world.
Background and Vision:
The word “Ehsaas” means compassion — and that’s the essence behind the program. With nearly 40–60% of Pakistan’s population living below the poverty line, the government aimed to transform Pakistan into a welfare state by 2047, coinciding with the country’s 100th year of independence.
The Ehsaas framework covered 16 national initiatives, ranging from cash transfer schemes and education stipends to health and nutrition programs.
Key Components of Ehsaas Program:
The Ehsaas umbrella covers over 134 policy actions and dozens of initiatives. Some of the most impactful include:
- Ehsaas Kafalat – Monthly stipends for women and marginalized groups.
- Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif – Scholarships for school and university students from low-income families.
- Ehsaas Nashonuma – Nutrition and health support for mothers and children.
- Ehsaas Ration Riyaat – Subsidized food and daily essentials for poor households.
- Ehsaas Emergency Cash – Rapid COVID-19 financial relief, distributed to 15 million families in record time.
Impact and Global Recognition:
The Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program distributed over Rs 160 billion to vulnerable citizens during the pandemic. Its data-driven system used SMS verification, biometric tracking, and digital ID systems to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
According to The World Bank and The Lancet, Pakistan’s Ehsaas became a global model for digital welfare — showcasing how technology can deliver aid efficiently and fairly.
Lessons and Reforms:
As highlighted in The Lancet Global Health (2023), the Ehsaas initiative taught several valuable lessons for developing nations:
- Data and Digitization reduce corruption and political bias.
- Cross-sector collaboration between government entities is crucial.
- Institutional accountability ensures lasting delivery of benefits.
- Transparency and governance systems prevent misuse of funds.
These reforms helped establish merit-based aid distribution and built trust in Pakistan’s welfare institutions.
Future of Ehsaas – Vision 2047:
The long-term goal, known as Ehsaas Vision 2047, envisions universal social protection — where no Pakistani is left without food, shelter, education, or health support. With ongoing digitization, smart cards, and the 8171 online portal, the Ehsaas network continues to expand across every province, touching millions of lives each year.
Major Initiatives Under the Ehsaas Program
Ehsaas Kafalat Program
The Ehsaas Kafalat is the backbone of the entire Ehsaas network.
It provides monthly financial assistance to low-income women, empowering them to manage household expenses with dignity.
Beneficiaries receive their stipends through biometric verification at ATMs or authorized payment centers, ensuring transparency and security.
Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program became a lifeline for millions of daily-wage workers and struggling families.
Under this initiative, over 15 million households received cash grants of Rs. 12,000 to help them survive lockdowns and income loss.
It was praised globally for its digital transparency and quick delivery of funds.
Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif (Education Stipends)
Education is the foundation of a stronger Pakistan.
Through Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif, children from poor families receive stipends to continue their schooling.
The program also encourages girls’ education, offering slightly higher stipends to female students to promote gender equality.
Ehsaas Nashonuma Program
This initiative focuses on child and maternal health, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.
Through Ehsaas Nashonuma Centers, mothers receive nutritional food, awareness sessions, and financial support to ensure that no child in Pakistan suffers from malnutrition.
Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program
One of the most celebrated parts of Ehsaas, this program provides full scholarships to underprivileged students in public sector universities.
More than 200,000 students have already benefited, many of whom are first-generation learners in their families.
Ehsaas Langar and Panahgah Program
To ensure that no Pakistani sleeps hungry, the government launched Ehsaas Langar Khana (free meal centers) and Panahgah (shelters) across major cities.
These centers serve fresh, nutritious meals and offer temporary housing for homeless or jobless citizens — reflecting the true spirit of compassion.
Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program
Through a smart card or CNIC-based system, Ehsaas Rashan Riayat provides subsidies on essential grocery items like flour, sugar, oil, and pulses.
It’s a joint effort between the government and private sector retailers, helping families manage inflation and cost of living.
Technology and Transparency in Ehsaas
Unlike older welfare systems, Ehsaas relies heavily on digital innovation.
Using the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) and NADRA database, beneficiaries are verified through biometric systems — reducing corruption and duplication.
The introduction of the Ehsaas 8171 web portal allows citizens to check eligibility online and apply easily without middlemen or paperwork.
How to Apply for the Ehsaas Program
Citizens can apply by:
- Sending their CNIC number to 8171 (Ehsaas SMS service)
- Visiting the Ehsaas 8171 web portal
- Visiting nearest Ehsaas registration centers or NADRA offices for verification.
Applicants are evaluated based on household income, assets, and poverty score before being added to the official list.
Impact of Ehsaas Program on Pakistani Society
The Ehsaas Program has brought millions of families out of extreme poverty.
It has improved access to education, healthcare, and food security, especially for women and children.
According to multiple reports, Pakistan’s social protection network under Ehsaas is now considered one of the largest and most transparent in South Asia.
Beyond numbers, Ehsaas has also given people hope, dignity, and inclusion — proving that real progress starts when every citizen is given a fair chance.
Challenges and Future of the Ehsaas Program
Despite its success, the program faces challenges like funding shortages, data updates, and rising inflation.
The government aims to expand Ehsaas into every district of Pakistan, ensuring digital accessibility and integration with other welfare platforms.
The next goal is to make Ehsaas self-sustaining, using smart partnerships and local community involvement — ensuring that compassion becomes a permanent part of Pakistan’s development model.
FAQs — People Also Ask
Q1: Which towns are near Chak Shahzad Islamabad?
Nearby areas include Bani Gala, Kuri, Taramri, and Bahria Enclave Islamabad, located within a short drive from Chak Shahzad.
Q2: What is the background of the Ehsaas Program?
It was launched in 2019 as part of Pakistan’s effort to build a welfare state based on transparency, compassion, and equality, targeting the poor and vulnerable.
Q3: What is the Ehsaas Program known for?
Ehsaas is known for financial aid to poor families, scholarships for students, healthcare programs, and digital transparency through biometric verification.
Q4: Where can I apply or study more about the Ehsaas Program?
You can learn more or apply at the official Ehsaas portal or through NADRA registration centers across Pakistan.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Mazboot Pakistan
The Ehsaas Program is more than just a financial aid system — it’s a movement of hope and inclusion.
It reflects the belief that every Pakistani, regardless of their background, deserves access to basic rights, dignity, and opportunities.
As the program continues to grow, it symbolizes the core mission of Mazboot Pakistan — a self-reliant, compassionate, and empowered nation built on the foundation of justice and equality for all.