PM Shehbaz Sharif launches Rs20 billion Ramazan relief package for 4 million families

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday unveiled a Rs20 billion Ramazan relief package, aimed at providing financial assistance to four million deserving families across Pakistan. The initiative is expected to benefit around 20 million people during the holy month.

Financial Assistance Through Digital Wallets

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the prime minister announced that each eligible family would receive Rs5,000 through digital wallets within the first ten days of Ramazan. He expressed satisfaction over the decline in inflation this year compared to previous years and highlighted that the allocated relief fund had significantly increased from Rs7 billion last year to Rs20 billion this year.

Transparent and Digitalised Distribution System

PM Shehbaz praised the efforts of various institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA, BISP, and tech companies, for developing a transparent digital mechanism to ensure swift and fair distribution of funds. He also acknowledged the support of international partners in making this initiative possible.

Tackling Corruption and Economic Challenges

The prime minister reiterated his government’s commitment to eliminating corruption, citing the privatisation of the Utility Stores Corporation as a key step toward ending inefficiencies in government institutions. He also revealed that Rs500 billion worth of cases were pending in courts and pledged to expedite legal decisions. Referring to a recent Sindh High Court ruling, he noted that Rs23 billion had been recovered from a disposed case.

Condemnation of Terrorist Attack on Maulana Hamid ul Haq

PM Shehbaz condemned the recent terrorist attack on Maulana Hamid ul Haq at Madrassa Haqqania, calling it a heart-wrenching incident. He assured that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would take immediate action against those responsible. He recalled that Pakistan had successfully tackled terrorism in 2018 but acknowledged its resurgence in recent times, vowing to eradicate it with full force.

Subsidised Sugar and Tehsil-Level Stalls

Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that a foolproof system had been designed to ensure the smooth transfer of funds to deserving families. Additionally, 600 stalls would be set up at the tehsil level to provide subsidised sugar at Rs130 per kg.