In a move aimed at ensuring the delivery of high-quality goods and preventing corruption, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that this year’s Ramazan Relief Package will be rolled out without involving Utility Stores. The decision, shared by the Prime Minister during a televised address at the federal cabinet meeting on February 4, 2025, comes as the government aims to address the poor execution and substandard quality issues that plagued last year’s Ramazan package.
The Prime Minister explained that he had raised concerns several months ago about the ongoing issues with Utility Stores, specifically regarding their handling of last year’s relief package. According to PM Shehbaz, there had been numerous complaints about the management of these stores, which were responsible for distributing low-quality products during the holy month. To avoid similar shortcomings, the government has decided to exclude Utility Stores from this year’s relief initiative and explore alternative solutions to ensure that citizens receive quality goods.
“As the Holy Ramazan approaches, I have asked the Ministry of National Food Security to create a package that excludes Utility Stores to prevent corruption and the sale of low-quality items,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized that the new approach would focus on improving transparency, accountability, and the quality of products, ensuring that the relief package benefits the public without compromising on standards.
The Prime Minister’s announcement comes at a time when the country is focused on providing affordable essentials to the public during Ramazan. Historically, Utility Stores have played a key role in offering subsidized goods such as flour, sugar, and rice. However, with rising concerns over the management of these stores, including the reported sale of subpar products, the government’s decision to bypass them this year reflects a significant shift in strategy.
Alongside the Ramazan Relief Package announcement, PM Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences for the tragic death of policeman Abdul Khaliq. The officer was killed while providing security for a polio vaccination team in Jamrud, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Expressing deep respect for Khaliq’s sacrifice, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating polio and ensuring that Pakistan becomes a polio-free nation. He also recognized the contributions of health officials like Dr. Mukhtar and Dr. Ayesha Farooq, who have played pivotal roles in the ongoing efforts to combat the disease.
In addition to these announcements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif provided updates on his recent visit to Quetta, where he met with security personnel injured in an anti-terror operation in Kalat. The operation, which led to the martyrdom of 18 security forces and the elimination of 23 terrorists, highlighted the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in countering terrorism. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the bravery and sacrifice of the security forces and criticized the previous government’s policies, which he claimed allowed terrorists to be released, exacerbating the security situation.
On the economic front, PM Shehbaz Sharif celebrated the recent drop in inflation, which fell to a nine-year low of 2.4% from 28.73% the previous month. He credited the efforts of the finance ministry, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other stakeholders for curbing inflation and maintaining economic stability. This decrease in inflation has been seen as a positive step toward economic recovery, and the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the country’s future economic prospects. With inflation under control, the government’s focus will now shift towards implementing measures to further drive economic growth and ensure sustainable development in the months ahead.
The government’s decision to revise the approach to the Ramazan Relief Package is a clear indication of its commitment to improving governance and delivering tangible benefits to the public, especially during the holy month. By excluding Utility Stores and focusing on alternative, more efficient mechanisms for distributing essential goods, the government hopes to mitigate the issues that have hindered the effectiveness of past relief efforts and ensure that the people of Pakistan can benefit from a fair, transparent, and high-quality package this Ramazan.