Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a comprehensive Ramadan Relief Package valued at Rs 20 billion, aimed at assisting millions of deserving families across Pakistan. The initiative, launched on Saturday, will offer cash transfers of Rs 5,000 to 4 million eligible families, with the disbursement facilitated through digital wallets. This forward-thinking solution intends to simplify the relief process, offering convenience and efficiency to beneficiaries throughout the country.
At the launch event in Islamabad, the Prime Minister highlighted that this year’s relief package would cover all four provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He pointed out that while the relief fund for 2024 has been significantly raised to Rs 20 billion, it was only Rs 7 billion in the previous year. The increase in funding reflects the government’s commitment to supporting citizens during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the new system would spare people the inconvenience of standing in long queues outside Utility Stores. The shift to a digital payment system is designed to streamline the process, offering families a hassle-free method of receiving assistance. To ensure the smooth implementation of the program, the Prime Minister assured the public that there would be continuous monitoring and supervision to prevent any irregularities.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Sharif also extended his appreciation to the various government agencies and private sector entities involved in the development of the program, including ministries, the State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme), and technology companies. These organizations worked tirelessly to create a digital mechanism that will efficiently handle the large-scale cash transfers.
The initiative is set to benefit a wide demographic across Pakistan, ensuring that no region is left behind. The use of digital wallets for the cash transfers aligns with the federal government’s broader push for greater digitalization in its welfare programs, which can foster transparency and improve the overall distribution of resources.
Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain also addressed the ceremony, offering additional details on the distribution plan. He confirmed that the cash transfers under the Ramadan Relief Package would be completed within ten days, enabling timely support to the most vulnerable families. Additionally, special stalls will be set up at the tehsil level throughout Ramadan to provide sugar at a subsidized rate of Rs 135 per kilogram.
Moreover, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will offer essential commodities, including food items, at a 15% discount during the month of Ramadan. These efforts are intended to mitigate the effects of inflation on low-income households and provide affordable access to necessary goods during the fasting period.
Earlier, Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain addressed rumors circulating about the possible closure of the Utility Stores Corporation, clarifying that the government has no plans to shut down the organization. Instead, he stated that a restructuring process, followed by privatization, is in the pipeline to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the USC.
This Ramadan Relief Package is a significant step toward enhancing digital welfare initiatives in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of utilizing technology to reach and assist those in need. With such initiatives, the government aims not only to alleviate economic pressures on families but also to pave the way for more sustainable, tech-driven solutions in the future.