Latest news with #RamazanReliefPackage
Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
NA panel identifies absence of deadlines as critical obstacle to project execution
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation identified the absence of defined timelines in the sub committee's report as a critical obstacle to project execution. To address this, the committee resolved to summon the governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and private bank presidents in the next session to establish clear deadlines. The committee met with Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur in the chair at the Parliament house on Tuesday. The committee reviewed the progress on poverty alleviation initiatives, assess project implementation timelines, and address institutional challenges hindering effective service delivery. The delays in a pilot project were attributed to system integration issues, with completion expected by July. The upcoming meeting, scheduled after the budget session, will also include the finance secretary and the secretary of industries for further deliberations. On social welfare initiatives, the committee reviewed the Prime Minister's Ramazan Relief Package, under which, 2.7 million out of 3.5 million eligible families received financial assistance via digital wallets and CNIC-based biometric verification. The State Bank's regulatory framework was credited for facilitating secure disbursements. However, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)'s staffing shortages due to the federal government hiring freeze were flagged as a major operational hurdle, with over 1,100 vacancies remaining unfilled. The Ministry of Finance was urged to expedite resolutions to prevent service disruptions. Regarding foreign-funded programmes, the Poverty Alleviation Ministry confirmed that no active USAID linked projects but was directed by the committee to submit a full report on all externally financed initiatives, including participating organisations. The committee also emphasised the need for a national poverty reduction framework, integrating federal, provincial, and NGO efforts while ensuring compliance with national security priorities. With 18,000 NGOs currently working in the country, but fewer than 1,000 registered, the committee called for stricter oversight to prevent misuse of funds and safeguarding of national interests. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Thousands of NGOs operate without oversight
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety was told on Tuesday that over 18,000 NGOs operate nationwide, but only about 1,000 were officially registered, with the vast majority flying under the radar. The committee expressed grave concern over the presence of unregistered NGOs, terming them a potential threat to sensitive national matters, and recommended the formulation of a national framework to regulate the sector. During the meeting, officials also briefed the committee on the progress of various welfare projects, particularly regarding the deadlines given for their completion. The committee expressed serious concern over the delays in timely execution and demanded greater accountability. Expressing displeasure over the incompletion of a pilot project that was supposed to be finalised in July, the committee summoned the Secretary Finance and the Secretary for Industries and Production to appear in the next session. The committee also called on the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and heads of private banks to appear before the panel in the upcoming meeting to review coordination issues linked with poverty reduction programmes. Briefing the committee on the Prime Minister's Ramazan Relief Package, officials revealed that 2.7 million out of 3.5 million deserving families had been provided assistance through digital wallets.
Coin Geek
09-05-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
Pakistan eyes expansion of digital wallet coverage
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A digital wallet project that the Pakistani government initiated two months ago has been a massive success, closing the gender gap and reaching citizens with disability, the country's prime minister says. PM Shehbaz Sharif commissioned the distribution of the Ramazan Relief Package in early April, partly via digital wallets for the first time. The Rs 20 billion ($71 million) initiative was overseen by the IT & Telecommunications Ministry and sought to make welfare and aid distribution 'efficient, transparent, and respectful.' It aligned with the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, which was passed by parliament in January and seeks to transition Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation. Speaking at a recent event, Sharif lauded the success of digital wallets in boosting efficiency and transparency in fund transfers. 'Through digital wallets, 79% of the funds in the relief program were transferred seamlessly and transparently,' the PM stated. Starting 2026, all welfare distribution will be done via digital means, he added. According to local outlets, over 900,000 Pakistanis received aid through their newly created digital wallets and conducted nearly 2 million transactions. Significantly, a sizable portion of the users were women, which the PM says plays a role in reducing the gender gap in the program. Over 2,500 disabled people also used the digital wallets, further underscoring the initiative's importance in promoting diversity and inclusion. 'This is more than a one-time relief package. It's about fostering long-term digital habits that empower individuals and integrate them into the formal economy,' commented IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Pakistan is undergoing a digital payment transformation. In the last three months of 2024, retail digital payments grew 12%, according to data from the central bank. Pakistanis made over three billion transactions worth Rs154 trillion ($554 billion). This growth is attracting global giants. In March, Google Wallet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) announced its entry into the Pakistani market, partnering with half a dozen local banks to allow cardholders to make payments via the app. 'The launch of Google Wallet is a solid testament to Pakistan's rising digital payments adoption and will serve as a signal to other global payment solutions about the market's potential,' commented Mutaher Khan, whose Data Darbar provides market intelligence in the country. However, the market still faces significant challenges. One of these is the country's massive undocumented economy, which the government reckons is as big as the formal economy. Operators in this cash-based market operate beyond the scope of the government and pay no taxes; this makes digital payments a direct threat as they would expose the market. Watch: RockWallet is the go-to app for everyone title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Business Recorder
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Scope of digital wallets to be expanded: PM
ISLAMABAD: In a bold move to streamline digital payments across the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that the scope of digital wallets would be dramatically expanded, bringing provincial systems into a unified national framework. Speaking at a ceremony honoring those who made significant contributions to the success of the Prime Minister's Ramazan Relief Package, Sharif touted the power of modern payment methods in transforming fund transfers, making them not only faster and more transparent but also preserving the dignity of recipients. 'Through digital wallets, 79% of the relief funds were distributed seamlessly and without a hitch,' he declared, slamming the outdated system that had previously plagued the programme. He revealed plans for next year, vowing that 100% of disbursements would be digital, ensuring full utilization of relief funds through cutting-edge technology. The overhaul, he added, will continue to evolve, with provincial governments gradually integrated into the national digital payment network. Amir Ahmed Ali, the Federal Secretary of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), gave an in-depth briefing on the success of the Ramazan Relief Package and the pivotal role digital wallets played in the process. The prime minister also took the opportunity to recognize key officials from both the public and private sectors, presenting honorary shields to those whose efforts were crucial in the program's success. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Scope of digital wallets to be expanded: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that the scope of digital wallets would be expanded across the country, with provinces being integrated into the digital payment system through a coordinated framework. The prime minister, addressing a ceremony to recognize individuals for their outstanding performance in the success of the Prime Minister's Ramazan Relief Package, said that modern payment methods enabled the smooth transfer of funds. These payments were made transparently, while maintaining the dignity of deserving individuals. He highlighted that funds were transferred efficiently and transparently through digital wallets, adding that 79% of the funds were disbursed digitally under the programme. The PM noted that the old payment system had many flaws, which were rectified by the modern system, PM Office Media Wing said in a statement. He further stated that positive results had emerged from the steps taken to modernize the system and hinted that the scope of digital wallets would be expanded nationwide, with provinces also being included in the digital payment system through an integrated framework. Looking ahead, the PM emphasized that next year,100% of funds would be utilized through digital methods. During the ceremony, Secretary Benazir Income Support Programme Amir Ahmed Ali gave a detailed briefing on the PM Ramazan Relief Package and digital wallets. Separately, the prime minister said the government of Pakistan remained committed to strengthening frameworks that protect workers' rights and safety. In a message on the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on April 28, he said, "Today, as we mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Pakistan joins the international community in reaffirming our commitment to the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, and to promoting the well-being of every worker across all sectors." "This year's theme, 'Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work', invites us to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities brought forth by technological advancement," he added. The prime minister said, "As workplaces across the globe, including in Pakistan, embrace digital systems, it becomes imperative to ensure that these innovations serve to enhance the safety, health, and dignity of our workers." Meanwhile, the premier met with Project Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Saima Naureen and appreciated her high performance in supervising the programme of modern training in the field of agriculture for Pakistani students in China.
