ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee on Thursday approved the immediate release of Rs19 billion for the Ramazan relief package announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Earlier, on February 12, the prime minister unveiled a Rs38 billion relief package aimed at supporting over 12 million families — nearly 36 million people — through direct digital payments during Ramazan.
According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Finance Pakistan, the ECC meeting was chaired remotely by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The committee approved the “immediate release” of Rs19 billion to ensure timely financial assistance to vulnerable households. Officials said the remaining funds from the proposed Rs25 billion allocation would be released based on fiscal space availability.
The Ramazan Relief Package 2026 is designed to provide targeted cash assistance to low-income households using National Socio-Economic Registry data to ensure transparency and fair beneficiary selection.
Authorities said funds will be transferred directly through banking and digital channels to ensure secure, efficient and dignified delivery.
During the meeting, the ECC also granted in-principle approval for Rs1 billion in operational expenses, directing authorities to submit a detailed cost breakdown to ensure financial transparency and compliance with rules.
Officials emphasised that while relief delivery will be expedited, strict financial oversight will be maintained, and any unused funds will be returned under established procedures.
