PM Shehbaz Unveils Rs20 Billion Ramazan Relief Package

Each family would receive Rs5,000 through digital

wallets. The relief package will be distributed

within the first ten days of the holy month

Associated Press of Pakistan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has launched a Rs20 billion Ramazan relief package to support 4 million deserving families across Pakistan, benefiting approximately 20 million people.

Addressing the launching ceremony on Saturday, the prime minister said that each family would receive Rs5,000 through digital wallets. The relief package will be distributed within the first ten days of the holy month.

He highlighted that this year’s allocation of Rs20 billion is significantly higher than last year’s Rs7 billion. Shehbaz Sharif praised the efforts of ministries, the State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA, BISP, and technology companies for developing a transparent digital mechanism to ensure swift disbursement.

Government’s Commitment to Digital Relief Distribution

The federal government has introduced a well-structured digital system to ensure the relief reaches families nationwide efficiently. The prime minister also acknowledged the contributions of foreign partners in supporting the initiative.

During his speech, Shehbaz Sharif addressed the issue of billions of rupees being stuck in litigation. He expressed his government’s determination to expedite court decisions, particularly on Rs500 billion worth of pending cases.

Corruption Crackdown & Utility Stores Privatization

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s stance against corruption, citing the Sindh High Court’s recent decision that led to the recovery of Rs23 billion. He also called the corruption in the Utility Stores Corporation “one of the worst” and confirmed its privatization to improve efficiency.

Additionally, he reiterated his commitment to shutting down loss-making government entities, ensuring public funds are used effectively.

Subsidized Sugar & Ramazan Markets

Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, stated that 600 stalls will be set up at the tehsil level to provide sugar at a subsidized price of Rs130 per kg. He assured that the digital relief program was sanctioned within 20 days, ensuring a foolproof mechanism for transferring funds to beneficiaries.

PM’s Message for Ramazan: Unity, Compassion, and Support for the Needy

In his message to the nation at the start of Ramazan 1446 Hijri, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged people to remember the poor and needy.

“This month teaches us patience, gratitude, compassion, and sacrifice. We must extend our support to those in need and also stand in solidarity with our Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers and sisters facing oppression,” he said.

He called for unity within the Muslim Ummah, praying for Pakistan’s stability and its rightful place in the global community.

“May Allah Almighty shower the blessings of Ramazan upon us and bind us together in love and brotherhood,” he concluded.