Prime Minister Reviews Ramadan Package, Orders Digital and Transparent Aid Delivery for 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the federal government’s proposed Ramadan package and examined the third-party validation of last year’s initiative. He appreciated the report of a globally reputed audit firm, which confirmed that the previous Ramadan package was transparent and effective, with no financial irregularities or major administrative shortcomings.

The Prime Minister noted that the government has replaced decades of corruption and mismanagement in utility stores with a transparent and accountable system that ensures essential food items are provided to deserving citizens at subsidized rates. He emphasized that this reformed mechanism has helped ensure assistance reaches the rightful beneficiaries.

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Directing officials to further improve the process, the Prime Minister instructed that this year’s Ramadan assistance be distributed through digital wallets to safeguard the dignity of recipients and support Pakistan’s transition toward a cashless economy. He added that the involvement of the State Bank of Pakistan in the distribution process would further strengthen transparency and efficiency.

All relevant ministries and departments were directed to formulate a more comprehensive and effective Ramadan package than last year, supported by a clear implementation strategy, a digital dashboard, and structured monitoring mechanisms to enhance transparency and widen the outreach to deserving families.

It was also shared that the Benazir Income Support Programme will distribute free SIM cards under its social protection wallet system, with all assistance set to be delivered digitally from March 2026. The initiative aims to streamline aid delivery, improve accountability, and provide timely financial support to low-income households.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to social welfare, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that supporting poor and low-income citizens remains a top priority, guided by principles of fairness, efficiency, and transparency.