PM Shehbaz Sharif Praises Successful Implementation of Ramadan Relief Package 2025

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction on Friday over the successful implementation of the Ramadan Relief Package 2025, highlighting the innovative use of digital wallets for the first time, which ensured a transparent and efficient distribution of funds to deserving citizens across Pakistan.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister congratulated government officials and institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and NADRA, for their effective coordination in the scheme’s execution.

Digital Wallet Model: A Milestone for Transparency

“For the first time, the Ramadan Relief Package was disbursed through digital wallets, ensuring a transparent and hassle-free experience,” PM Shehbaz Sharif said. He emphasized that this model should be replicated in other government welfare schemes to further improve transparency and efficiency.

The package covered the entire country, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, benefiting 1.9 million recipients. Out of these, 950,000 payments were processed via digital wallets, including transactions for 823,000 women and 2,541 special persons, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusivity.

Key Highlights and Successes

Officials informed the Prime Minister that 79% of the allocated funds reached deserving recipients transparently. Additionally, 2,224 government employees were deployed for the implementation of the relief plan. A total of 1,273 complaints were received and promptly addressed. The Prime Minister directed that complaints arising from the package should be carefully reviewed and rectified.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer, Ahad Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, and Shaza Fatima, along with Special Assistant to the PM Haroon Akhtar and the governor of the State Bank, attended the meeting. Following the meeting, the federal ministers held a press conference to share the outcomes.

Read more: PM Shehbaz orders inquiry into reduction of private Hajj quota

Teamwork and Innovation Lead to Success

Minister Rana Tanveer praised the teamwork that made the digital wallet-based transaction system a success, acknowledging that transferring money via digital wallets was once considered impossible. Shaza Fatima, who proposed the digital wallet idea, highlighted its significant impact on providing financial relief to Pakistanis who lack access to traditional banking services.

“This is the first time Rs 20 billion have been digitally transferred in a government welfare program. The initiative opened 950,000 digital wallets, facilitating 1.9 million digital transactions, and eliminated the need for people to stand in long queues,” she said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to address any complaints arising during the execution phase and instructed for third-party audits to ensure accountability and transparency throughout the process.