Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday lauded the introduction of a digital payment system for the Ramadan Relief Package 2025, declaring that it had ended corruption in utility stores and ensured transparency in the distribution of financial aid.

During a visit to the National Telecom Headquarters, the prime minister reviewed the monitoring system for the Ramadan package and received a briefing on its implementation. He termed the initiative a “comprehensive and commendable” step towards ensuring relief for the underprivileged.

“For the first time, the government has introduced a transparent system, and so far, there have been no complaints,” he remarked, adding that the welfare of the people remained the government’s top priority.

The premier noted that under the Rs 20 billion Ramadan Relief Package, financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per household would be directly transferred through a digital wallet, benefiting around four million families.

He acknowledged that implementing such a system had been a challenge, but praised the collaborative efforts of banks and IT companies in making it successful.

‘Corruption in utility stores was rampant’

In a veiled reference to past mismanagement, PM Shehbaz said that corruption in utility stores was well known and that the government had now put an end to it through digital intervention.

“The worst corruption was seen in utility stores. It was public money that was being wasted, and we had to bid farewell to that system forever,” he said.

He emphasized that the digital wallet system would ensure the timely distribution of funds to the beneficiaries without any delays or bureaucratic hurdles. “This initiative will not only provide relief during Ramadan but also serve as a model for future welfare programs,” he added.

The prime minister also directed officials to further expand the scope of the digital payment system, stressing the need for technological solutions to enhance transparency and efficiency in public welfare schemes.

Budget allocations

According to officials, the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2025 was initially estimated at Rs 20.5 billion, with Rs 2 billion proposed to be sourced from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Rs 8.5 billion allocated by the Ministry of Finance.

This year, unlike previous years, the relief package is not being distributed through utility stores but rather through direct cash transfers to the beneficiaries. The government aims to support 20 million deserving individuals through this initiative.

The prime minister reiterated that the system was designed to assist those in need with dignity and transparency, ensuring that the funds reached their intended recipients without any leakages or mismanagement.

‘Helping the deserving is a noble act’

PM Shehbaz concluded his address by stating that helping those in need was a noble responsibility, and the government was committed to making social welfare programs more effective through modern technology.

He appreciated the efforts of the teams involved in the project and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to eliminate corruption from welfare programs through digital reforms.