Islamabad, March 10, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday instructed relevant ministries to collaborate with the private sector in enhancing awareness about the Rs5,000 Ramazan Relief Package, which is being distributed through digital wallets to deserving families.
The directive comes after the government launched a Rs20 billion Ramazan Relief Package earlier this month, aimed at providing assistance to four million families—benefiting nearly 20 million people across the country.
While reviewing the monitoring mechanism of the package at the National Telecommunication Corporation in Islamabad, the prime minister noted that only 20% of beneficiaries had withdrawn their funds so far, citing a lack of awareness as a key reason.
“The families in need are unable to access the relief due to insufficient awareness,” PM Shehbaz remarked, instructing ministries to engage with the private sector to revisit the awareness campaign and improve its outreach. He also directed officials to encourage families to call 9999 for guidance on accessing the funds.
The prime minister further sought inputs from relevant stakeholders within a week to explore expanding the relief package’s scope.
Unlike previous years, where the Ramazan package was distributed through Utility Stores, the government has opted for direct cash transfers to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
“For the first time, Rs5,000 in cash is being transferred directly to deserving families in the most transparent manner so they can purchase essential items of their choice,” the prime minister said.
The digital wallet system has been developed through collaboration between government ministries, the State Bank of Pakistan, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Benazir Income Support Programme, and technology firms, which worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless digital distribution mechanism.
