Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the Rs38 billion Ramadan Relief Package 2026, a major nationwide initiative designed to support more than 12 million low-income families through direct financial assistance. The announcement was made during a formal ceremony where the prime minister emphasized transparency, dignity, and efficiency in delivering aid to deserving citizens ahead of Ramadan.
The government has replaced the previous subsidy distribution model run through utility stores with a modern digital cash transfer system. According to officials, this shift aims to eliminate corruption, reduce delays, and ensure funds reach beneficiaries directly without intermediaries. The prime minister stated that Ramadan is a time of compassion and sharing, adding that the new system reflects those values through fair and direct support.
Under the program, 12.1 million families across Pakistan, including residents of all provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, will receive Rs13,000 each. This marks a significant increase from last year’s relief amount of Rs5,000 per household, signaling a stronger government response to inflation and rising living costs.
Officials confirmed that a high-level committee of federal ministers will supervise implementation, while the prime minister will personally monitor progress. Authorities have also established a dedicated helpline, 9999, enabling citizens to check eligibility, file complaints, or obtain information regarding payment procedures and distribution schedules.
The Benazir Income Support Programme secretary stated that extensive third-party validation has been carried out to ensure transparency. He noted that in 2025 nearly two million women received payments digitally, while thousands of recipients used the system for essential expenses such as electricity bill payments, demonstrating practical benefits of digitized financial aid.
Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Shah described the initiative as historic, saying it highlights the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Officials added that 2.1 million newly identified families will receive assistance this year, accounting for roughly Rs28 billion, while the remaining Rs10 billion will support ten million families already registered under the Kafalat program.
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