Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a directive to overhaul the distribution of financial assistance under the government's Ramadan Package, mandating the exclusive use of digital wallets. This move, he stated, is designed to uphold the dignity of beneficiaries while accelerating Pakistan's shift towards a cashless financial system.
Phasing Out Cash, Ensuring Dignity
Chairing a high-level review meeting on third-party validation of the proposed Ramadan Package, the Prime Minister emphasized that the traditional model of aid distribution was fraught with issues. He pointed out that the previous system run through Utility Stores was compromised by mismanagement and irregularities, which often prevented eligible low-income families from receiving their due support.
The new digital wallet system aims to eliminate these problems by ensuring direct, transparent, and secure transfers to beneficiaries. Shehbaz Sharif stressed that this method would protect the self-respect of recipients, sparing them from long queues and potential discretionary hurdles.
The Roadmap for Digital Distribution
The Prime Minister outlined a clear plan for this digital transition. A Social Protection Wallet system is being introduced under the umbrella of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). As part of this initiative, eligible beneficiaries will be provided with specialized SIM cards.
From March 2026 onward, all financial assistance payments under the package will be distributed digitally through these SIM-based wallets. The involvement of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been sought to facilitate and streamline the entire process, lending it institutional credibility and technical expertise.
Monitoring and Maximum Inclusion
To ensure effective implementation, PM Shehbaz issued several key instructions. He directed all relevant ministries and agencies to work towards the maximum possible inclusion of eligible low-income and lower-middle-income households, for whom financial assistance and social protection remain top government priorities.
Furthermore, he called for the creation of a digital dashboard and a robust monitoring system to oversee the distribution process in real-time, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step. He also instructed the relevant institutions to prepare an improved and comprehensive package for the upcoming Ramadan season.
The meeting was attended by a host of senior officials, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Poverty Alleviation Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, along with the chairmen of NADRA and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), were also present.
