PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Ramadan Relief Package 2026

PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Ramadan Relief Package 2026

PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Ramadan Relief Package 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially directed the federal institutions to formulate a significantly improved and more effective relief package for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.¹ In a high-level review meeting held on January 9, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized the transition toward a fully digital and transparent mechanism to ensure that aid reaches the truly deserving without the historical hurdles of mismanagement.²

Digital Wallets: Ensuring Dignity and Transparency

A major shift in this year's strategy is the mandatory use of digital wallets for the disbursement of financial assistance.³ This move aims to eliminate the long, exhausting queues at Utility Stores that have historically compromised the dignity of citizens.⁴ By involving the State Bank of Pakistan, the government is pushing toward a “Cashless Economy,” ensuring that every rupee is tracked and delivered directly to the beneficiary's mobile account.⁵

Expansion of Beneficiary Coverage

The Prime Minister has instructed all ministries to maximize the inclusion of low-income and lower-middle-class families.⁶ The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is playing a central role by introducing the Social Protection Wallet.⁷ Under this initiative, free SIM cards are being distributed to eligible women across Pakistan.⁸ Starting from March 2026, all government stipends and Ramadan subsidies will be transferred exclusively through these SIM-linked wallets.⁹

Key Features of the Ramadan Relief Package 2026

The Shift from Utility Stores to Accountable Mechanisms

For decades, the Utility Stores Corporation was the primary vehicle for Ramadan relief, but it was often plagued by financial irregularities and the exploitation of the poor.¹⁰ The Prime Minister noted that this “old system” has now been replaced by a data-driven model.¹¹ Last year's third-party validation by a reputable audit firm confirmed that the new digital approach is free from serious administrative lapses, paving the way for an even larger rollout this year.¹²

Technological Integration and Financial Inclusion

The involvement of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) ensures that the distribution system is foolproof.¹³ By equipping beneficiaries with digital literacy and tools like mobile wallets, the government is not just providing temporary relief but is also bringing millions of underserved Pakistanis into the formal financial fold.¹⁴

Focus on Social Welfare and Equity

The federal government remains committed to supporting those hit hardest by inflation. The upcoming package will include deep discounts on essential commodities like flour, sugar, ghee, and pulses.¹⁵ By providing direct cash deposits into digital wallets, the government allows families the flexibility to purchase what they need most, further empowering them during the holy month.

This video highlights the Prime Minister's commitment to ensuring that Ramadan relief reaches 4 million families through a transparent digital mechanism.