Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on Wednesday that payments have been successfully distributed to 89 percent of the individuals eligible under the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2026. The update came during a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister closely examined the progress of this crucial social welfare initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of society during the holy month of Ramadan.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised the efforts of all involved agencies and institutions for their commitment to ensuring that funds reached the rightful recipients in a transparent and efficient manner. He emphasized that the use of Social Protection Wallets represents a major advancement in Pakistan’s financial technology landscape, fostering greater transparency and accountability in the distribution of social assistance.
Shehbaz Sharif further instructed that all future disbursements under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) should also be routed through these Social Protection Wallets. This directive aims to streamline the payment process and enhance the ease of access for beneficiaries, while simultaneously promoting digital financial inclusion across the country.
The meeting also revealed that, to date, nearly two million digital transactions—specifically 1,955,620—have been executed under the Ramadan Relief Package 2026. This significant volume of transactions underscores the growing reliance on digital platforms for social welfare payments, marking a shift away from traditional cash-based methods.
In addition to the payment updates, officials informed the Prime Minister about a comprehensive awareness campaign currently underway to ensure that beneficiaries are fully informed about the package’s benefits and procedures. This campaign utilizes a multi-channel approach, including print media, electronic broadcasts, and extensive outreach on social media platforms, to maximize coverage and accessibility of information.
Moreover, the program’s helpline, operating under the number 9999, has received an impressive 1.7 million calls from beneficiaries seeking assistance or clarification. Complementing this, approximately 2.7 million SMS messages have been dispatched to keep the public informed and engaged with the relief efforts. These communication efforts highlight the government’s dedication to maintaining an open and responsive dialogue with citizens.
One of the key takeaways from the briefing was the positive impact of Social Protection Wallets in narrowing the gender gap in access to digital financial services. The initiative has proven particularly effective in empowering women by providing them with direct access to funds, thereby promoting financial inclusion and independence among female beneficiaries.
Overall, the Prime Minister’s review meeting underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology and innovative solutions to enhance social protection programs. By ensuring timely and transparent delivery of aid, the administration aims to alleviate economic hardships faced by millions during Ramadan, while setting a precedent for future welfare initiatives.
