Islamabad – The federal government has initiated a Rs20 billion Ramazan Relief Package, providing direct cash payment to four million deserving individuals across the country. The news was announced in the Senate on Thursday, where Minister of Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain informed the lawmakers about the initiative.
Cash Assistance Instead of Subsidized Goods
In contrast to the past years when subsidized products were being distributed through Utility Stores, the Ramadan relief package of this year will be distributed directly in the form of cash. Provincial governments are also adopting the same cash transfer mechanism to benefit low-income households during the holy month of Ramadan 2025.
Utility Stores Corporation to be Restructured
Rana Tanveer Hussain made it clear that Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will not be closed but will be reorganized for enhanced performance and effectiveness. The comment came during the alarm raised on USC’s fate under the new cash transfer scheme.
Check Also: CM Punjab Livestock Card Loan Scheme 2025
Govt Engaging with Employees Over Salary Demands
In the meantime, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar pledged that the government is holding negotiations with protesting government workers to resolve their salary and work-related issues. He also made it a point to stress that although the government is looking to cut non-development expenditure, it is also committed to upholding the rights of employees and generating additional jobs in the private sector.
Legislative Updates
Apart from economic debates, the Senate also witnessed the introduction of the Societies Registration Amendment Ordinance 2024.
Tributes to Terrorism Victims
To start the session, prayers (fateha) were said for the victims of recent terrorist attacks throughout the country.
This Ramadan relief scheme will help alleviate financial pressures on millions of poor families, making the holy month less expensive for them.