Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives to prepare a beneficial and effective relief package for the public during the holy month of Ramadan. He stated that financial assistance for the poor and lower-middle-income segments, as well as their social welfare, are among the government’s top priorities.
According to sources, the Prime Minister specifically directed that assistance under the Ramadan Package be distributed through digital wallets to ensure the dignity and self-respect of deserving beneficiaries. The provision of aid through digital wallets will also serve as a major milestone toward reducing the cash-based economy. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the relevant institutions and ministries after reviewing a report by a reputable audit firm on the transparency of last year’s Ramadan Package. He noted that due to corruption at Utility Stores, deserving individuals were deprived of their rightful benefits.
The Prime Minister reiterated that financial support and the welfare of the poor and middle class remain the government’s foremost priorities, and instructed that subsidy amounts under the Ramadan Package be distributed exclusively through digital wallets so that beneficiaries’ dignity is not compromised. He added that providing subsidies through digital wallets would be a milestone in eliminating the cash economy, and that the involvement of the State Bank in the distribution process would further promote a cashless economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the relevant ministries and institutions to ensure maximum inclusion of underprivileged segments in the subsidy distribution. He also directed that a comprehensive strategy and actionable recommendations for improved and effective distribution of the Ramadan Package be presented at the earliest, and that a digital dashboard and an organized monitoring system be established for effective oversight.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was informed that the third-party validation of last year’s Ramadan Package by a globally renowned and credible audit firm had declared the government’s package effective and transparent. Additionally, it was shared that under the Benazir Income Support Programme, a Social Protection Wallet System is being implemented, under which deserving individuals are being provided free SIM cards, and from March 2026 onwards, all subsidy amounts will be digitally distributed through these SIM cards.
The meeting was also informed that the third-party validation of the Ramadan Package found no financial corruption or serious administrative irregularities.
