Each deserving family to get Rs 5,000 in Shehbaz Sharif's 20 billion Ramadan relief package

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs20 billion Ramadan relief package on Saturday in a major initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on struggling households. This nationwide program is set to assist 4 million deserving families, translating to nearly 20 million beneficiaries.

Financial Assistance via Digital Wallets

The relief initiative ensures that each family receives Rs5,000, directly transferred through a secure digital wallet system. The government has pledged to distribute the funds within the first ten days of Ramadan, ensuring timely assistance as inflation remains a key concern. The Prime Minister expressed optimism, noting that price hikes during Ramazan have been relatively controlled this year compared to previous ones.

Highlighting the significant increase in financial support, PM Shehbaz remarked, “Last year’s allocation was Rs7 billion, but this time, we have dedicated Rs20 billion to help those in need.”

Advanced Digital System for Transparent Distribution

To prevent leakages and ensure efficiency, the relief package is being executed through a modernized digital mechanism. The initiative, developed with the support of the State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA, BISP, and leading tech companies, guarantees swift and transparent fund transfers. PM Shehbaz acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders involved in establishing this streamlined process.

Additionally, he extended his gratitude to international partners for their role in supporting this humanitarian effort, emphasizing their dedication to Pakistan’s welfare.

Crackdown on Corruption and Economic Reforms

Shifting focus to economic governance, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He revealed that Rs500 billion worth of cases remain stuck in litigation, and his administration is determined to expedite decisions to recover public funds.

Citing a recent Sindh High Court ruling, he highlighted how Rs23 billion was reclaimed following the disposal of a prolonged stay order case. PM Shehbaz also pointed out irregularities within the Utility Stores Corporation, labeling it as one of the worst corruption cases. To curb financial mismanagement, the government is moving forward with privatizing loss-making state entities and replacing inefficient structures with digitally driven solutions.

Condemnation of Terrorist Attack on Maulana Hamid ul Haq

Addressing national security, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Maulana Hamid ul Haq at Madrassa Haqqania, which resulted in his martyrdom. Calling the incident deeply tragic and unacceptable, he assured the public that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is actively working to apprehend those responsible.

Recalling the nation’s ongoing battle against terrorism, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism by 2018 after sacrificing 80,000 lives, including military personnel and civilians. However, recent resurgence has been concerning, and the government remains resolute in eradicating extremism once and for all.

Subsidized Sugar and Essential Goods for Ramazan

Alongside direct cash assistance, 600 tehsil-level stalls are being set up to provide sugar at a subsidized rate of Rs130 per kg. Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, emphasized that a foolproof mechanism has been implemented to guarantee fair and prompt distribution of subsidies.

With this ambitious Ramazan relief initiative, the government aims to provide tangible support to millions of struggling Pakistanis, reinforcing its commitment to economic stability and social welfare.