Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant authorities to prepare a more effective and beneficial Ramadan relief package, with a clear instruction that financial assistance should be distributed through digital wallets.
The directive was issued during a review meeting chaired by the prime minister to assess the third-party validation of last year’s Ramadan package and to discuss preparations for the upcoming Ramadan. Officials informed the meeting that an independent audit body had praised the transparency of the previous package.
The prime minister stated that the federal government had successfully introduced a transparent system for providing subsidized food items to low-income households, replacing decades-old inefficiencies and corruption associated with the utility stores model. He emphasized that financial mismanagement and exploitation of the poor through traditional mechanisms had now been addressed through reforms.
Digital Payments to Protect Dignity and Promote Cashless Economy
Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to ensure that Ramadan relief funds are distributed exclusively via digital wallets, stressing that this approach would protect the dignity and self-respect of beneficiaries. He added that digital payments would also serve as a key step toward promoting a cashless economy in Pakistan.
The prime minister highlighted the role of the State Bank of Pakistan in supporting the digital distribution process, saying its involvement would further strengthen cashless transactions and financial inclusion.
Expanded Coverage for Low-Income Families
Officials were directed to expand the scope and coverage of beneficiaries, ensuring that as many deserving families as possible benefit from the Ramadan package. The government reaffirmed that poverty alleviation and social welfare remain among its top priorities.
The meeting was briefed that the Benazir Income Support Programme is introducing a Social Protection Wallet system, under which free SIM cards are being issued to eligible individuals. From March 2026, all government assistance payments will be distributed digitally through these SIM-based wallets.
Authorities confirmed that the third-party validation of the Ramadan package found no evidence of financial corruption or serious administrative irregularities, further strengthening confidence in the system.
High-Level Participation
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with senior officials from NADRA and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
The government aims to ensure that the upcoming Ramadan relief package is more transparent, dignified, and digitally accessible than ever before.
