PM Shehbaz Sharif announces Rs38bn Ramadan relief package

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced a Rs38 billion special relief package for Ramadan 2026, formally launching the initiative at a ceremony where he pressed a button to inaugurate the programme.

Addressing the event, the premier said the Rs38bn allocation would be distributed to beneficiaries in the federal capital, all four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, through digital wallets and digital bank accounts.

Under the package, each eligible family will receive Rs13,000 during Ramadan without discrimination, he said. Payments will be made to over 2.1 million families who are not currently part of any government-sponsored welfare programme.

In addition, Rs10bn has been earmarked for one crore families already registered under existing government support schemes. In total, financial assistance will be distributed among 12.1 million families nationwide, the prime minister said.

He added that the total number of individuals benefiting from the Ramadan package would reach approximately 60 million people.

The prime minister said payments to deserving families would be ensured through transparent digital banking channels to facilitate smooth transfers.

A high-level committee comprising federal ministers will oversee all stages of the Ramadan relief package to ensure effective implementation.

To assist the public, a dedicated helpline, 9999, has also been established for queries and support related to the package.