Govt launches short code 9999 for verification of PM’s Ramadan 2025 relief package

ISLAMABAD: Short code 9999 will be used for the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2025, worth more than Rs. 20 billion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued important orders to the Ministry of Information Technology (IT).

According to a private TV channel report, the IT Ministry has been tasked with ensuring the verification of short code messages for the Ramadan Relief Package, while matching identity cards with mobile numbers.

It is proposed to give cash to 3.9 million families under the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package.

According to the report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the IT Ministry to ensure the verification of short code 9999 for messages regarding the Ramadan Package. A control room will be established in the National Telecommunication Corporation for the Ramadan Relief Package.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Cabinet to present the Ramadan Relief Package for approval.

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The report said that under the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package, it is proposed to provide cash to 3.9 million families. Under the proposed package, a one-time cash assistance of Rs. 5,000 will be provided to each deserving family.

The budget of the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package has been estimated at Rs. 20.5 billion. This time, the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package is not being provided through utility stores.

It should be noted that Rs. 2 billion has been proposed to be provided from the Benazir Income Support Program budget for the Ramadan Relief Package, while the Ministry of Finance will provide Rs. 8.5 billion for the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package.

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Reports say that the budget of the Ramadan Relief Package will include media campaign expenses, charges of financial institutions, NADRA fees, and other expenses that will also be included in the Ramadan package.

In other news, the Punjab government has announced a Ramadan assistance package for 3 million deserving families in the province. This year, instead of offering subsidies at Ramadan bazaars, the government opted to provide direct cash assistance to each family.

Under this initiative, each family will receive a pay order worth Rs. 10,000. The Price Control and Commodities Management Punjab has submitted a funding request summary to the Punjab government for approval.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that the federal government will roll out a Ramadan relief package this year without involving the Utility Stores Corporation (USC). This decision aims to combat corruption and ensure the distribution of high-quality goods.

Earlier in January, the federal cabinet established a high-level committee to devise a plan for phasing out USC operations nationwide. Traditionally, the prime minister’s Ramadan package was distributed through utility stores. However, the committee was also tasked with collaborating with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for the Ramadan assistance.

This year, the budget allocation for USC has nearly doubled compared to last year, prompting discussions on restructuring the corporation or closing down approximately 1,000 financially unsustainable stores. Presently, there are around 5,130 USC outlets across the country.