Ramadan 2025 in Pakistan: Govt Launches Relief Package

The federal government is set to launch the Prime Minister's Ramadan relief package, providing one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to 39 lakh deserving families across the country, with an estimated cost of Rs 20.5 billion.

The package, which will be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval, will be funded by the Ministry of Industry and Production, the Finance Ministry, and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The Ministry of Industry and Production will provide Rs 10 billion, while Rs 2 billion will be deducted from the BISP budget and Rs 8.5 billion will be provided by the Finance Ministry. The package will also cover expenses such as media campaigns, financial institution charges, and NADRA fees.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the IT ministry to implement the Ramadan Relief Package efficiently, with a new helpline, 9999, established to confirm messages related to the relief program. The Ministry of Information Technology will verify applicants by matching their identity card details with their cellphone numbers, and a control room at the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) will monitor the operation.

In addition to the relief package, the Prime Minister has ordered a comprehensive strategy to provide essential food items at affordable prices during Ramazan. He directed the relevant authorities to collaborate with provincial governments to ensure food items are available at reasonable prices for the common man. The government has also approved the appointment of Dr Hassan Al-Amin as the Director of the National Institute of Pakistan Studies and Tahira Raza as a non-executive member of the State Bank of Pakistan.

The government's efforts to provide relief to deserving families during Ramadan and ensure affordable food prices are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Pakistanis. The package is a significant step towards alleviating poverty and promoting economic stability in the country.