- Expresses satisfaction over prices of essentials, comparing it with figures during Ramazan previous year
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday launched the Rs20 billion Ramazan package for four million deserving families to benefit about 20m people across the country.
Addressing the launching ceremony of the package in Islamabad on Saturday, the premier said that a total of four million deserving families, about 20 million people, would receive relief through this package, which would be distributed in the first 10 days of the holy month.
“Each family, through digital wallets, would receive Rs5,000, he said, expressing his satisfaction that the prices of essential items were less this year when compared with the previous figures during the month of Ramazan.
“This year, an amount of Rs20bn has been allocated for the purpose. The relief amount last year was Rs7bn,” he added.
The prime minister also lauded all the relevant authorities and institutions, including ministries, the State Bank of Pakistan, the National Database and Registration Authority, Benazir Income Support Programme and tech companies, which worked “day and night to devise a digital mechanism”.
The premier last month said that the government would unveil the Ramazan relief package without the Utility Stores Corporation’s (USC) role to prevent corruption and the distribution of low-quality commodities to the people.
The federal government’s initiative would benefit all parts of the country through a well-devised digital system, PM Shehbaz said, expressing gratitude to foreign partners for their partnership and support in this noble cause and appreciating their commitment and valuable contributions.
Separately, the Punjab government deviated from its traditional practice of establishing Ramazan Bazaars, limiting access to the relief measures during the holy month and placing an additional economic burden on millions of people across the province.
The provincial government has also withdrawn subsidies on food items and instead provided 17 essential items at wholesale rates at Sahulat Stalls set up in Model Bazaars.
