Latest news with #RamadanReliefPackage2025
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
PM Sharif hails Ramadan relief success, orders digital wallet model for future welfare programs
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded the successful implementation of Pakistan's Ramadan Relief Package 2025, praising the transparent use of digital wallets for fund distribution and instructing officials to adopt the model for future government programs, state media reported. The premier made the comments during a meeting in Islamabad to review the execution of the nationwide relief scheme, which aimed to provide financial support during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The package, rolled out across the country including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, utilized digital tools to deliver assistance to beneficiaries and was promoted as a step toward the country's broader digital transformation agenda. Under the initiative, aid was transferred directly into recipients' digital wallets — secure mobile accounts linked to national ID numbers — allowing beneficiaries to access funds via mobile apps, ATMs or designated agents without needing a traditional bank account. 'Appreciating the effective and transparent implementation of the Ramazan Relief Package 2025, [the prime minister] directed the authorities concerned to emulate this model in future government schemes,' the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported the PM Office as saying. It said 1.9 million digital payments were made and over 951,000 digital wallets used, marking what officials described as a significant move toward realizing the 'Digital Nation Pakistan' vision. More than 823,000 women and over 2,500 persons with disabilities accessed the funds through digital platforms, APP added. Authorities said 79 percent of the allocated funds had been disbursed, with a team of 2,224 employees resolving over 1,200 complaints during the scheme's implementation. Millions of robocalls, SMS alerts and outbound calls were also made to raise awareness, the report added.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz directs use of Ramadan relief package model in future schemes
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised the effective and transparent execution of the Ramadan Relief Package 2025, directing authorities to adopt this model for future government schemes. The prime minister chaired a meeting to assess the implementation of the Package, acknowledging the contributions of the government's core team and supporting institutions. Under the Ramadan Relief Package, a digital wallet was introduced for the first time, ensuring transparent and efficient distribution of funds to beneficiaries. The initiative was rolled out nationwide, including in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The premier commended institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for ensuring the transparency of the process. The meeting also discussed the complaints received during the implementation of the Package, with a focus on incorporating feedback into future planning. It was reported that 79% of the allocated funds had been distributed to the beneficiaries. A total of 2,224 employees were deployed to handle the distribution, while urgent action was taken to resolve 1,273 complaints. Additionally, a wide-reaching awareness campaign was carried out through robocalls, outbound calls, SMS messages, and call center operations. This outreach effort included 6.2 million robocalls, 178,700 outbound calls, and 6.1 million SMS messages. In total, 1.9 million digital payments were made, with 951,191 digital wallets being used, marking a key step towards Pakistan's vision of becoming a Digital Nation. The program also reached 823,653 women and 2,541 persons with disabilities. The meeting was attended by various federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Ataullah Tarar, and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with Special Assistant to the PM Haroon Akhtar, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, and officials from relevant private companies.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz orders third-party audit of Ramadan relief package
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a third-party audit of the Prime Minister Ramadan Relief Package 2025 to ensure transparency in fund distribution, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. The decision was made during a review meeting chaired by the prime minister, where officials briefed him on the progress of the relief package. Officials informed the meeting that 63% of eligible recipients have already received financial assistance, with detailed documentation available for all disbursements. A total of 2,224 employees have been assigned to oversee the package's implementation. Additionally, more than 1.5 million beneficiaries have been contacted via telephone to facilitate the process. The prime minister reaffirmed that the relief programme covers all of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, without discrimination. Shehbaz praised the State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA, and technology firms for ensuring a secure and efficient digital wallet system to distribute funds. He directed that this model be adopted for other government welfare initiatives as well. Furthermore, he instructed telecom companies and banks to enhance their public awareness campaigns regarding the programme and submit a comprehensive report on their efforts. The meeting was attended by senior government figures, including Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Economic Affairs Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Atta Tarar, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima, along with officials from NADRA, PTA, and private sector partners involved in the programme.
