Pakistan launches PKR 38 billion Ramadan Relief Package to aid 12 million families

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally launched the Ramadan Relief Package 2026, a PKR 38 billion initiative designed to provide direct cash assistance to more than 12 million low-income families across Pakistan.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Sharif said the government had replaced what he described as an outdated and inefficient system of distributing subsidized goods through Utility Stores Corporation with a digital cash transfer program to ensure transparency and dignity for beneficiaries.

“The blessed month of Ramadan is approaching, a time when Muslims share their resources with those in need,” Sharif said. “Under the new digital system, funds are transferred directly to deserving families in a transparent manner.”

The program will benefit 12.1 million families across the four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with PKR 13,000 allocated per family. Sharif said he would personally monitor implementation, while a high-level committee of federal ministers oversees all stages. A dedicated helpline, 9999, has also been established to assist the public and address complaints.

Aamir Ali Ahmad, Secretary of the Benazir Income Support Program, said the package was developed under the prime minister’s direct instructions to ensure relief is delivered efficiently and transparently. Last year, each eligible family received PKR 5,000; this year the amount has been increased to PKR 13,000, with payments made through bank accounts and digital wallets.

Ahmad added that third-party validation has been conducted to ensure transparency and effectiveness. In 2025, nearly 2 million women received payments through the digital system, while 28,000 individuals used it to pay electricity bills.

Officials noted that 2.1 million families not previously covered under any government program will receive assistance under this year’s package, accounting for approximately PKR 28 billion. The remaining PKR 10 billion will support 10 million families already enrolled in the Kafalat program, bringing the total allocation to PKR 38 billion.

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Shah said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to vulnerable populations. “Under this historic package, PKR 13,000 per family will be transferred directly through a modern, secure banking system,” he said. “Poverty alleviation is our mission, and we will continue this work under the prime minister’s leadership.”

The ceremony concluded with Sharif formally inaugurating the package by pressing a button, triggering the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, officials said.