ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the Ramazan Relief Package worth Rs38 billion. The package will benefit more than 12 million families, covering about 36 million people, through direct digital cash payments.
Speaking at a ceremony aired on national television, the prime minister said the government ended the old ration distribution system last year. He explained that poor quality items and long queues at Utility Stores hurt the dignity of deserving families.
He said the government introduced a digital, cashless system last year to send money directly to eligible families. A third-party audit of Rs20 billion allocated for the 2025 relief package confirmed that the process was transparent and free from corruption.
Based on that experience, the prime minister announced improvements this year. Each eligible family will now receive Rs13,000, compared to Rs5,000 last year.
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The Rs38 billion amount will be paid through digital wallets and banking channels in all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Kafalat programme
Out of the total amount, Rs10 billion has been set aside for families already registered under the government’s Kafalat programme. The remaining Rs28 billion will support families not covered by other support schemes.
The prime minister admitted that there were challenges with the digital system, including banks’ initial hesitation and the lack of a fully cashless economy in Pakistan. He said these issues were addressed and the system would perform better this year.
Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said digital payments increase transparency, save time, and protect people’s dignity.
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Secretary Benazir Income Support Programme Aamer Ali Ahmad called the initiative a historic step that reflects the spirit of Ramazan.
To ensure smooth payments, the State Bank of Pakistan has issued a clear framework for fast, secure, and transparent distribution. A helpline (9999), a mobile app, and an online portal have also been launched to help beneficiaries and resolve complaints.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked international partners for their support. He said the government would regularly review the scheme to ensure help reaches deserving families without any political discrimination. He added that this is the largest federal Ramazan relief effort and that the digital cash system is a major improvement over the old method.
