PM Shehbaz Pledges Corruption-Free Ramadan Relief Package
Premier expresses satisfaction over decreasing inflation.
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to ensure transparency and fairness, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that the government’s Ramadan Relief Package for this year would be launched without the involvement of Utility Stores. The decision comes in response to last year’s complaints about corruption and poor-quality goods distributed through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized that the Ministry of National Food Security had been tasked with implementing the package, with no role for USC this time. He stated, “As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, I have directed the ministry to come up with a plan that does not involve the Utility Stores. I had raised this concern several months ago.”
The Prime Minister also shed light on the government’s initiative to shut down USC operations nationwide. A seven-member cabinet committee was formed to handle the closure and find alternate methods of distributing the Ramadan relief, including working with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
PM Shehbaz Sharif also took the opportunity to highlight his satisfaction with Pakistan’s recent economic progress. He expressed his delight over the reduction in inflation, which has decreased to a nine-year low of 2.4% from 28.73%. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of his cabinet and the Finance Ministry for bringing down inflation, stating that the government’s main challenge now was to focus on sustained economic growth.
In addition, the Prime Minister spoke about the recent visit of a Saudi delegation to Pakistan. Under a new agreement, Saudi Arabia will provide $1.2 billion worth of oil annually on deferred payment. The Saudi Development Fund will also provide a loan for a $40 million water supply scheme in Mansehra, which is expected to significantly improve the region’s infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also addressed national security, paying tribute to the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against terrorism. He specifically honored the martyrdom of a policeman, Abdul Khaliq, during a polio vaccination drive, noting that such sacrifices were crucial to Pakistan’s progress toward a polio-free future.
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Further, the Prime Minister congratulated the nation on the unanimous approval of agricultural income tax by all four provinces, fulfilling an IMF condition, and thanked key political figures for their support in this regard.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded the meeting by reminding the cabinet about Kashmir Solidarity Day, scheduled for tomorrow, expressing Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
This year’s Ramadan Relief Package and other significant steps reflect the government’s commitment to alleviating the financial burdens of the citizens while promoting transparency and efficiency.
