Islamabad, January 9, 2026 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced the federal government’s plan to implement a transparent and efficient Ramazan relief package 2026, aimed at providing subsidized essential food items to underprivileged families. The initiative replaces decades-old systems plagued by financial irregularities and mismanagement in utility stores.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the prime minister directed all relevant ministries and institutions to design a more effective and inclusive relief package for the upcoming holy month. He praised last year’s program, noting that a reputable third-party audit firm had validated its transparency and effectiveness.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that deserving individuals were often deprived of benefits due to corruption and mismanagement in utility stores. He instructed that all subsidies in the Ramazan package be distributed digitally via wallets, ensuring dignity for beneficiaries while advancing Pakistan toward a cashless economy. The State Bank of Pakistan will oversee this distribution, marking a milestone in financial modernization.
The prime minister further stressed the need to maximize inclusion of the lower income group, improve monitoring, and develop a digital dashboard for oversight. The Social Protection Wallet system under the Benazir Income Support Programme will facilitate distribution, with free SIMs being issued to eligible individuals, and digital disbursements beginning in March 2026.
All ministries were instructed to coordinate closely and prepare a comprehensive strategy with practical recommendations for effective and transparent implementation. PM Shehbaz called for special measures to maintain administrative discipline, prevent financial irregularities, and ensure maximum reach of subsidies to the underprivileged.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, and senior officials from NADRA, PTA, and related institutions.
The government’s approach aims to guarantee fair, transparent, and inclusive Ramazan support, strengthening social welfare and financial inclusion across the country.