ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday launched a Rs20 billion Ramadan relief package for four million deserving families — about 20 million people — across the country during the holy month.
The Prime Minister last month said that the government would unveil the Ramadan relief package without the Utility Stores Corporation’s (USC) role in preventing corruption and the distribution of low-quality commodities to the people.
In January, the country’s federal cabinet formed a high-level committee to develop a comprehensive strategy for the prompt shutdown of USC operations nationwide.
Traditionally in Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s Ramadan package is offered to the general public through Utility Stores.
In the recent past, there have been different proposals to restructure the corporation to improve its finances or shut down around 1,000 of its loss-making outlets nationwide.
ALSO READ: Pakistan to Observe First Fast on Sunday as Ramadan Moon not Sighted
Addressing the launching ceremony of the package in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said that a total of 4 million deserving families, about 20 million people, would receive relief from this package, which would be distributed in the first 10 days of the holy month.
Each family, through digital wallets, would receive Rs5,000, he said, expressing his satisfaction that the prices of essential items were less this year when compared with the previous figures during the month of Ramadan.
“This year, an amount of Rs20bn has been allocated for the purpose. The relief amount last year was Rs7bn,” he added.
The government’s initiative would benefit all parts of the country through a well-devised digital system, PM Shehbaz said, expressing gratitude to foreign partners for their partnership and support in this noble cause and appreciating their commitment and valuable contributions.
