Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently conducted a comprehensive review meeting at the Prime Minister’s House to assess the progress of the Rs38 billion Ramadan Relief Package 2026. This initiative, launched to provide financial support to deserving citizens during the holy month of Ramadan, is being implemented with a strong emphasis on transparency and efficiency. The prime minister highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that aid reaches beneficiaries directly and without delay.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that this year’s relief package represents the largest and most inclusive effort of its kind in Pakistan’s history. The financial assistance allocated per beneficiary has seen a significant increase, rising from Rs5,000 last year to Rs13,000 in 2026. This substantial boost aims to alleviate the economic pressures faced by vulnerable families during Ramadan, reflecting the government’s dedication to social welfare and poverty alleviation.
Building on the success of last year’s program, the prime minister pointed out that the distribution process has been modernized through the use of digital wallets. This innovative approach allows funds to be transferred directly to recipients, eliminating the need for physical queues and reducing the risk of corruption or mismanagement. Shehbaz Sharif praised the institutions involved for their effective collaboration and the smooth execution of the digital payment system, which safeguards the dignity of beneficiaries by providing a hassle-free experience.
By the 8th day of Ramadan, the meeting was informed that approximately 64 percent of the targeted beneficiaries had already received their payments. The verification and processing of the remaining recipients are actively underway to ensure no eligible individual is left out. The government has partnered with 12 banks and fintech companies to facilitate the distribution, and so far, beneficiaries have completed over 1.1 million digital transactions, demonstrating widespread adoption of the digital platform.
In addition to the payment process, officials shared that more than 1.2 million automated phone calls have been made to raise awareness about the relief package, ensuring that information reaches even remote areas. The initiative spans the entire country, including the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the government’s inclusive approach. Real-time monitoring dashboards have been deployed to track payments and maintain transparency throughout the distribution cycle.
The review meeting was attended by key government figures, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Other notable participants included Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme Senator Rubina Khalid, and Governor of the State Bank Jameel Ahmad. Their presence highlighted the multi-sectoral coordination required to implement such a large-scale social welfare program effectively.
Furthermore, a comprehensive awareness campaign is ongoing across various media platforms, including print, electronic, and social media outlets. This campaign aims to keep the public informed about the package’s benefits and the digital payment process, encouraging eligible citizens to participate and receive their entitlements promptly. The government’s proactive approach in combining technology with outreach efforts sets a new standard for social assistance programs in Pakistan.
