Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the federal government to finalise a Ramadan relief package costing more than Rs. 20 billion.
According to sources, the prime minister has directed that the package be approved at the upcoming cabinet meeting before going into effect right away.
A proposal to give Rs. 5,000 per family to 4 million worthy households is part of the package. To guarantee that financial aid reaches the most eligible families, information from the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) will be utilised. A further suggestion is to provide a 10–15% reduction on necessities at special Ramadan bazaars.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will give more than Rs. 8 billion to the relief package, while the Ministry of Industries and Production would provide Rs. 10 billion. The BISP will also be the source of Rs. 2.5 billion. All pertinent ministries and institutions have been instructed by the administration to finish the preparations required for the package’s prompt implementation.
In contrast to prior years, the government has chosen not to use Utility Stores Corporation to distribute the Ramzan aid package. Instead of include the firm in the relief operations, PM Shehbaz Sharif has chosen to use a different distribution method. Utility Stores were once utilised by the government to offer subsidies on necessities during Ramadan.
Read more: Rs 7 per unit relief planned through revised IPP agreements, taxes removal
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to support low-income families and ensure they have access to essential goods during Ramadan.
To qualify for the Rs. 20 billion Ramadan relief package, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Low Income:
Individuals must provide evidence of low income or financial hardship. Typically, this includes households with a monthly income of less than Rs. 20,000 and no other significant source of livelihood.
- National Identity Card (CNIC):
Applicants must possess a valid CNIC to prove their identity.
- Benazir Income Support Program (BISP):
The package primarily targets families already registered with the BISP. This ensures that the aid reaches the most deserving households.
- Registered Mobile Number:
Applicants should have a registered mobile number linked to their CNIC for communication and verification purposes.
These criteria are designed to ensure that the relief package effectively supports those who need it most during Ramadan.