Pakistan Launches Largest-Ever Ramadan Relief Package Worth Rs 38 Billion, Disbursed Through Digital Wallets

ISLAMABAD — February 26, 2026
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a review meeting on the PM Ramadan Relief Package 2026 at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, describing it as the largest and most comprehensive Ramadan relief initiative in Pakistan’s history, with a total allocation of Rs 38 billion.
Addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz announced that the per-capita relief amount has been increased more than two-fold — from Rs 5,000 last year to Rs 13,000 this year — to provide meaningful financial support to deserving families during the holy month of Ramadan. He stated that distribution is being carried out through a transparent digital system using digital wallets, building on the success of last year’s model. “People no longer have to stand in long queues, and their dignity is fully preserved,” the Prime Minister said.
A briefing presented to the meeting revealed that by the 8th day of Ramadan, 64 percent of eligible beneficiaries had already received their funds, with verification and disbursement processes ongoing at an accelerated pace for the remaining recipients. This year, 12 banks and financial technology companies are partnering with the government in the distribution effort. Beneficiaries have so far completed 1.1 million digital transactions, while over 1.227 million automated robocalls have been made to raise awareness about the programme.
The package covers all provinces and territories of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Real-time dashboards are being used to ensure transparency and monitor payments, and a comprehensive awareness campaign is being run across print, electronic, and social media platforms.
The meeting was attended by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubeena Khalid, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, and senior government officials.