Islamabad, Apr 4, 2025: In a significant stride towards enhancing transparency and efficiency in governmental financial assistance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has lauded the exceptional performance of the core team responsible for the Ramadan Relief Package.
He commended the collaborative efforts of various institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which were pivotal in the seamless execution of the initiative.
For the first time, a digital wallet system was introduced for the Ramadan Relief Package, ensuring that funds reached beneficiaries in a transparent and efficient manner.
This innovative approach marked a departure from previous methods, addressing past issues related to corruption and inefficiency in utility stores.
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The Ramadan Relief Package was implemented nationwide, encompassing all regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
This nationwide coverage underscored the government’s commitment to equitable assistance for all citizens during the holy month.
Addressing the complaints received during the distribution of the Ramadan Relief Package, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of considering this feedback in future planning.
He directed that such issues be thoroughly evaluated to enhance the effectiveness of subsequent relief efforts. Furthermore, the Prime Minister advocated for the adoption of the digital wallet model in other government schemes.
He highlighted that this system’s success in the Ramadan Relief Package should serve as a benchmark for future welfare programs, promoting transparency and efficiency across various sectors.
A recent briefing on the Ramadan Relief Package 2025 revealed that 79 percent of the allocated funds have been disbursed transparently to beneficiaries. A dedicated workforce of 2,224 employees ensured the smooth operation of the package.
Additionally, banks and supporting institutions conducted extensive outreach, including 6.2 million robo calls, 178,700 outbound calls, and 6.1 million SMS messages, to raise awareness about the package.
The National Telecommunication Corporation’s call center further contributed by making 126,839 outbound calls to provide information.
The digital aspect of the package was notable, with 1.9 million digital payments processed and 951,191 digital wallets utilized. This initiative was a significant step towards realizing the vision of a Digital Nation Pakistan.
Notably, 823,653 women and 2,541 special individuals benefited from the digital wallet system, highlighting the program’s inclusivity.
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A comprehensive awareness campaign, utilizing electronic, print, and social media, was launched to inform the public about the Ramadan Relief Package.
The campaign’s success was evident in the high engagement levels, with millions reached through various communication channels.
The meeting discussing the Ramadan Relief Package 2025 was attended by key figures, including Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal (Planning), Rana Tanveer Hussain (National Food Security), Ahad Khan Cheema (Economic Affairs), Attaullah Tarar (Information and Broadcasting).
Shaza Fatima (Information Technology and Telecom). Also present were Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, Governor of the State Bank Jamil Ahmed, relevant government officials, and representatives from private companies supporting the relief package.
Overall, the Ramadan Relief Package exemplifies the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for efficient public service delivery, setting a precedent for future welfare initiatives.
