Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has introduced a special Ramadan relief package, ensuring financial aid for 4 million households nationwide.
As reported by News Guru, the Prime Minister, speaking at the package’s launch ceremony in the federal capital, announced that approximately 20 million people will benefit, with each household receiving Rs 5,000 through a digital wallet.
Read more: Ramadan Relief: Fair Price Shops to Be Established in Islamabad
Expressing gratitude to Allah, PM Shehbaz noted that inflation during Ramadan is lower this year compared to previous years. The government has allocated Rs 20 billion for the initiative, a significant increase from last year’s Rs 7 billion—marking a 200% rise in funding.
Punjab’s ‘Nigehban Ramazan’ Initiative
In February, the Punjab government launched the Nigehban Ramazan program to support low-income families, providing Rs 10,000 to 3 million eligible households. Distribution began on February 25 through Pakistan Post.
To facilitate the process, the Bank of Punjab (BoP) in Lahore is issuing 500,000 pay orders daily, which Pakistan Post delivers as insured letters to recipients. The entire distribution operation is being monitored by Pakistan Post’s Director-General, Sami Ullah Khan. To ensure efficiency, the Punjab government has temporarily restricted postal staff transfers and leave until the project concludes.
K-P’s Ramadan and Eid Relief Packages
Similarly, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has introduced Ramadan and Eid relief programs for underprivileged families.
Barrister Saif, Special Assistant to the Information Minister of K-P, confirmed that over 1 million families will receive Rs 10,000 each, just as in previous years. The funds will be transferred through banks and EasyPaisa, ensuring transparency. The full disbursement is scheduled for completion before the 15th of Ramadan, with the provincial government covering all associated banking and transaction costs.
Ramadan Moon Not Sighted in Pakistan
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced that the moon for Ramadan 1446 Hijri was not sighted anywhere in the country. Consequently, the first fast (roza) will be observed on Sunday, March 2.
The committee convened in Peshawar on Friday under the leadership of Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad. After deliberations, they confirmed in a press conference that no moon sighting reports were received. Meetings were also held by zonal committees across the country, with representatives from the Meteorological Department and SUPARCO in attendance.
