Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the federal government has put in place a transparent mechanism to provide subsidized essential food items to those in need during Ramazan, replacing the decades-old system in utility stores that had been plagued by corruption and mismanagement.
During a review meeting on the proposed Ramazan package and the third-party assessment of last year’s program, he instructed all relevant authorities to develop an even more effective and inclusive relief plan for the upcoming holy month.
The prime minister praised the efforts of various ministries and institutions, noting that a report by a well-known audit firm had confirmed the transparency and efficiency of last year’s Ramazan initiative.
He also highlighted that in the past, corruption had prevented deserving citizens from receiving their rightful benefits.
Stressing the government’s commitment to supporting the poor and middle class, he directed that subsidies should now be distributed exclusively through digital wallets, safeguarding the dignity of beneficiaries while advancing the goal of a cashless economy.
PM Shehbaz noted that involving the State Bank of Pakistan in the distribution process would mark an important step toward a cashless financial system.
He urged all concerned ministries and institutions to maximize the inclusion of underprivileged citizens in receiving these subsidies and called for a detailed strategy with practical recommendations to make the upcoming disbursement even more effective than last year.
The prime minister also emphasized the need to set up a digital dashboard and structured monitoring system for thorough oversight.
Officials at the meeting shared that the third-party evaluation of last year’s Ramazan package, conducted by a globally respected audit firm, found it to be transparent and effective, with no evidence of financial corruption or major administrative lapses.
They also explained that under the Benazir Income Support Programme, a Social Protection Wallet system is being rolled out, including the distribution of free SIM cards to eligible individuals, through which all subsidy payments will be digitally delivered starting March 2026.
PM Shehbaz gave special instructions for all relevant institutions and ministries to work together in preparing the Ramazan and Eid packages, ensuring transparency, inclusion of the needy, and strict administrative discipline in the delivery of subsidies.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chairman NADRA, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and other senior officials.