Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given the green light for a Rs. 7.5 billion Ramadan relief package to assist those in need. The package, approved during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, and will run until the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. Around 40 million impoverished families will benefit from a subsidy of Rs. 7.5 billion, enabling them to purchase essential items at reduced rates from the country’s 4,775 utility stores.
Items such as wheat flour, rice, pulses, ghee, edible oil, sugar, and milk are among the 19 essentials available at subsidized prices. PM Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and quality control for the subsidized items. He directed officials to establish special sale points for flour distribution to ensure convenience for the public and vowed strict action against hoarders causing artificial price hikes.
Additionally, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of an effective awareness campaign to maximize the package’s reach to deserving families. He instructed authorities to streamline the complaint redressal system and ensure quarterly disbursement of Rs10,500 to eligible beneficiaries under the Benazir Income Support Programme, with an additional Rs. 2,000 per family in Balochistan.
Furthermore, PM Sharif directed an immediate boost in the capacity of departments involved in the privatization process, emphasizing the need for timely decisions to improve the country’s economic condition.
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