ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Tuesday that the government will introduce a special Ramazan Relief Package this year, with a significant deviation from previous years. Unlike previous packages, which were distributed through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), this year’s initiative will be free from USC’s involvement. The decision comes after growing concerns about corruption and the sale of substandard products at the stores, prompting the government to take a more direct approach to aid distribution.
Addressing the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Sharif explained that the Ministry of National Food Security has been directed to design the Ramazan relief package, with a focus on transparency and quality control. The exclusion of USC from the distribution process is aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring that high-quality products reach the people in need during the holy month. The Prime Minister also mentioned that he had raised concerns about the USC’s poor performance and the complaints it received during the Ramazan package distribution last year.
In an attempt to combat these issues, the federal cabinet had earlier set up a high-level committee tasked with exploring ways to close down USC operations across the country. As part of this broader strategy, the committee is also looking into alternative mechanisms for delivering the relief package. One suggestion on the table is to involve the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which could help provide direct support to eligible families in need.
The Prime Minister’s decision to exclude USC from the Ramazan relief package reflects his commitment to ensuring that the distribution system remains free from inefficiencies and malpractices. “I had asked many months ago that this cannot continue with the Utility Stores,” said Sharif. He added that it was imperative to find more reliable alternatives that could ensure the delivery of quality goods to the public.
In addition to the announcement regarding the Ramazan relief package, Prime Minister Sharif addressed several other key national issues during the cabinet meeting. He expressed sorrow over the tragic death of a policeman, who was killed while securing a polio vaccination team in Jamrud, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of protecting the health workers who are crucial in the fight to eradicate polio from Pakistan.
Sharif also provided updates on his recent visit to Quetta, where he had met with security personnel who had been injured during an anti-terrorism operation in Kalat. He noted that the security forces, including the army, police, and paramilitary forces, were bearing the consequences of flawed policies from the previous government. In particular, he referenced the release of thousands of terrorists under the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, which he argued had put the country’s security forces at greater risk.
On the economic front, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the country’s path toward growth, citing recent improvements in inflation. He highlighted that inflation had reached a nine-year low of 2.4 percent in January 2024, driven primarily by a reduction in the prices of perishable food items. This downward trend in inflation was a significant development, as it marked the first time in over three years that headline inflation had dipped below 10 percent. Despite rising prices in certain categories like sugar, vegetables, and edible oils, the government has been taking measures to stabilize the domestic market, including allowing sugar exports, particularly to Afghanistan, due to surplus stocks.
Sharif expressed confidence that the government would continue to focus on economic growth, with all efforts aimed at ensuring a sustainable and robust economy. He also thanked the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan for approving agriculture taxes, which were in line with the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Prime Minister further praised a recent agreement with Saudi Arabia, valued at $1.2 billion, which is expected to bolster Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, a $41 million deal with the Saudi Development Fund for a water scheme in Mansehra was highlighted as another step toward improving infrastructure in the country.
In summary, the government’s efforts to revamp the Ramazan relief package, alongside its focus on economic growth and addressing key national challenges, demonstrate a commitment to long-term progress and public welfare. With the exclusion of the USC and a more streamlined distribution process, the government aims to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most during the holy month of Ramazan.