64pc of Ramadan Package beneficiaries have received payments, PM Shehbaz informed

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting on the Prime Minister's Ramadan Relief Package 2026, announcing that Rs38 billion has been allocated for what he termed the country’s largest and most comprehensive Ramadan relief initiative.

Speaking at a meeting, Sharif said that financial assistance for deserving people has been increased from Rs5,000 last year to Rs13,000 per person this year to provide maximum relief during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This is the country’s largest and most comprehensive Ramadan relief package,” the prime minister said, adding that the government is committed to supporting low-income families amid rising economic challenges.

Sharif noted that, based on the successful experience of last year, the distribution of funds is once again being carried out through a transparent digital system. Financial assistance is being transferred directly to beneficiaries through digital wallets, ensuring ease, dignity and efficiency in the process.

He said the digital system has spared beneficiaries from standing in long queues while safeguarding their self-respect. He praised the performance of the institutions involved in implementing the Ramadan package.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that by the 8th of Ramadan, 64 percent of the beneficiaries had already received their payments. The verification and disbursement process for the remaining recipients is continuing at a rapid pace.

The meeting was informed that 12 banks and financial technology companies are partnering with the government this year to ensure smooth distribution of funds. So far, beneficiaries have conducted 1.1 million digital transactions under the package.

To enhance awareness, more than 122,700 automated robo-calls have been made to beneficiaries regarding the Ramadan relief program. Officials added that the package covers the entire country, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The briefing emphasized that digital wallets mark an important milestone in building a data-driven financial system, with transparency ensured through real-time dashboards that continuously update payment data.

A vigorous awareness campaign is also underway across print, electronic and social media platforms to ensure maximum outreach and public awareness about the Prime Minister Ramadan Relief Package 2026.