Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that financial assistance under the federal government’s Ramazan Package be distributed exclusively through digital wallets, emphasizing that the approach would preserve the dignity and self respect of beneficiaries. The directive was issued while chairing a review meeting on third party validation of the proposed Ramazan Package, where the prime minister underlined the importance of transparent and efficient delivery mechanisms. He stated that the use of digital wallets would also support Pakistan’s transition toward a cashless economy, adding that the involvement of State Bank of Pakistan would help facilitate and regulate the process.
During the meeting, the prime minister shared details of a new Social Protection Wallet system being introduced under Benazir Income Support Programme. Under this framework, SIM cards will be issued to eligible beneficiaries, enabling them to receive financial assistance directly through digital channels. Shehbaz Sharif said that from March 2026 onward, payments under the Ramazan Package would be distributed digitally through these SIM based wallets. The system is intended to streamline disbursements, reduce leakages, and ensure that assistance reaches intended recipients without intermediaries or delays.
Shehbaz Sharif also discussed the broader objectives of the Ramazan Package, noting that the federal government had introduced the programme to provide essential food items to low income households at subsidised rates during the holy month. He pointed out that the earlier Utility Stores model had suffered from mismanagement and irregularities, resulting in many beneficiaries being unable to access their entitlements. The shift toward a digitally enabled assistance model is expected to address these issues by improving traceability and accountability while simplifying access for eligible households.
The prime minister instructed relevant ministries and institutions to prepare an improved and more effective Ramazan Package for the upcoming year, stressing that financial assistance and social protection for low and lower middle income households remain key government priorities. He directed authorities to ensure that eligible households are included in the programme to the maximum possible extent. In addition, he called for the development of a digital dashboard and a comprehensive monitoring system to oversee implementation, track progress, and identify gaps in real time. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Poverty Alleviation Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Also present were the prime minister’s special assistant Haroon Akhtar, along with the chairmen of NADRA and PTA and other senior officials, reflecting the multi agency coordination required to implement the digital wallet based assistance system.
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