Islamabad, February 4, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that this year’s Ramazan Relief Package will be implemented without the involvement of Utility Stores to curb corruption and ensure the distribution of high-quality commodities.
“As Ramazan approaches, I have directed the Ministry of National Food Security to devise a relief package independent of Utility Stores. This decision was made months ago, as the previous model was rife with corruption and substandard goods,” the prime minister stated in his televised address at a federal cabinet meeting.
He noted that last year’s Ramazan Package faced numerous complaints regarding its execution through Utility Stores, prompting the government to introduce an alternative approach for fair and transparent distribution.
Tribute to polio worker’s sacrifice
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz condemned the recent killing of policeman Abdul Khaliq in Jamrud while protecting a polio vaccination team. He paid tribute to his sacrifice and lauded the efforts of PM’s Coordinator on Health Dr. Mukhtar, Polio Coordinator Dr. Ayesha Farooq, and health officials for their relentless campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan.
Honoring security personnel in anti-terror operations
The prime minister also briefed the cabinet on his visit to Quetta, where he met security personnel injured in an anti-terror operation in Kalat. In the operation, 18 security personnel were martyred, and 23 terrorists were eliminated.
“Our soldiers—whether from the army, police, FC, or Rangers—are making the ultimate sacrifice to rid Pakistan of terrorism. Their morale remains high, and their commitment unwavering,” he remarked, blaming past governments for releasing thousands of terrorists, which exacerbated security challenges.
The cabinet members observed Fateha for the martyred personnel and the slain polio duty policeman.
Economic milestones and Saudi support
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over inflation dropping to a nine-year low of 2.4% from 28.73% on a month-to-month basis. He credited the finance team, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and cabinet members for their dedicated efforts over the past 11 months.
“Our next challenge is economic growth, and we will focus all our efforts on achieving it,” he asserted.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s strengthening economic ties with Saudi Arabia, announcing that the Saudi government has agreed to supply $1.2 billion worth of oil annually on deferred payment. Additionally, the Saudi Development Fund will finance a $40 million water supply project in Mansehra.
Kashmir solidarity
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir, stating that the nation will observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on Wednesday.
He also acknowledged the approval of an agricultural income tax by all four provinces, fulfilling a key International Monetary Fund (IMF) requirement. He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Mian Nawaz Sharif, and the provincial leadership for their cooperation in this crucial reform.
