According to the PM’s Office, 4,775 utility retailers in Pakistan would distribute Ramadan relief packages to the public. About 60% of the people in Sindh province, Pakistan, would receive a Ramadan package worth $80.7 million.
KARACHI: According to a statement from his office, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif unveiled a “historic” Ramadan package on Thursday that included a subsidy of Rs7.5 billion ($26.8 million) to cut the prices of necessities for the underprivileged.
About Ramadan Relief Package
In order to alleviate the public’s suffering, Pakistan’s national and provincial administrations usually release Ramadan gifts well in advance of the Muslim fasting month. With utility stores and other outlets, these packages primarily lower the cost of staple foods including flour, sugar, lentils, milk, and dates to help lessen the financial strain of increased food consumption during Ramadan.
Additionally, they have unique Ramadan bazaars to facilitate the purchase of other requirements by low- and middle-class households.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) declared that approximately 30,96,00,000 families would get food supplies at discounted costs during the holy month of Ramadan. It also stated that a 20 kg bag of flour is subsidized at a rate of Rs 77 per kg, while ghee is subsidized at a rate of Rs 70 per kg.
The PMO stated, “4,775 utility stores across the nation are distributing the Prime Minister’s Ramadan relief Package to deserving families.”
According to the PMO, food items will be given out at discounted prices starting on Thursday and will be done so through the final day of Ramadan this year.
In addition, the southern Sindh province of Pakistan issued a Ramadan relief package valued at Rs22.5 billion ($80.7 million) in order to provide support for around 60% of the population, especially for those who make the minimum income of roughly Rs35,000 ($126) each month.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah unveiled the package, which includes a Rs. 5,000 cash awards through the banking system for families who are financially insecure, according to an official release. Shah also gave the divisional commissioners stern instructions to deal with hoarders and profiteers because they drive up prices during the holy month.
The statement further said that Murad Ali Shah gave the chief secretary of the province instructions to figure out how many families qualify so that nobody is left behind. “In order to distribute the allotted Rs 22.5 billion, he also instructed him to speak with the banks.”
Shah was told that there were 4.5 million families in Sindh who deserved more and were making at least Rs32,000 to Rs35,000 a month. These households will receive benefits from the ramadan relief package, making up 60% of the province’s population.
The chief minister gave the Sindhi authorities the following instructions: “You have to maintain not only the price of the commodities and edibles but also ensure a balance between demand and supply so that prices remain under control.”
Currently, the 26.92 million households registered with BISP under PMT-40 are being sold subsidized commodities by the USC. It is suggested that 19 items of subsidy be distributed to targeted beneficiaries of BISP registered under PMT-60 instead of PMT-40 in order to serve an additional 12.73 million families and reach the greatest number of targeted beneficiaries during Ramadan-2024.
Additionally, he gave the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, Sukkur Electric Power Company, and Karachi Electric the order to provide a steady power supply throughout the pre-dawn and twilight meals of Ramadan relief package.
Shah lamented that while food costs were lowered globally during the holy month, they were purposefully raised in Pakistan.
“Everyone needs to be aware of the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the suffering of the underprivileged,” he declared.
The chief minister promised the administration that he would personally make unannounced inspections to verify the costs, availability, and quality of food items in the market.
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