Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of a seamless and transparent digital wallet system in transferring funds to the beneficiaries of the Ramadan Relief Package.
Speaking at a review meeting for the Ramadan Relief Package 2025, the premier praised the initiative, highlighting that it was being implemented across Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring that no region was left out.
He acknowledged the pivotal role played by institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), and various tech organizations in maintaining the transparency of the program.
The meeting was attended by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant to the premier (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar, Chairman NADRA, Chairman PTA, relevant government officials, and representatives of private companies related with the Ramadan Relief Package.
PM Shehbaz also directed a third-party audit to review the execution of the package and recommended strengthening the public awareness campaign led by telecom companies and banks to further educate the public about the package’s benefits.
A briefing provided during the session revealed that 63% of the intended beneficiaries had already received their relief payments. Comprehensive records were available to confirm the accurate distribution of funds, with over 2,200 employees working to manage the operation.
The meeting was informed that more than 1.5 million beneficiaries had been contacted through phone calls to ensure they were aware of the relief measures available to them.
PM Shehbaz suggested that the digital approach used for the Ramadan Relief Package should be replicated in other government initiatives, viewing it as a model for future welfare programmes.
