Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government has established a transparent Ramazan package system to provide subsidised essential food items to underprivileged citizens. The new system replaces a decades-old, corruption-prone mechanism at utility stores.
The prime minister chaired a review meeting on the upcoming Ramazan package and discussed the third-party validation of last year’s relief initiative. He praised ministries and institutions for their efforts, noting that a reputable audit firm had confirmed the transparency of last year’s Ramazan package system.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that many deserving individuals were previously deprived of their rights due to corruption in the old utility store system. He directed that all subsidy amounts be distributed digitally through wallets to maintain the dignity of beneficiaries.
“The digital distribution of subsidies will also support the goal of a cashless economy,” the prime minister said. He added that the State Bank of Pakistan will play a key role in the distribution process.
A structured monitoring system and a digital dashboard will be implemented to ensure effective oversight of the Ramazan package system. Officials confirmed that a Social Protection Wallet under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will facilitate the digital distribution. Free SIMs are being provided to eligible individuals, and from March 2026, all subsidies will be delivered digitally through these SIMs.
The prime minister instructed all relevant ministries and institutions to coordinate and formulate a comprehensive strategy for the upcoming Ramazan and Eid packages. Special measures will focus on transparency, inclusion of the poor, and administrative discipline.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and senior officials from NADRA and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
The new Ramazan package system aims to ensure timely, fair, and efficient support for citizens, promoting transparency and trust in government relief programs.
In other news read more about: PM Shehbaz Unveils Ramadan Relief: 4 Million Families to Receive Aid
