ISLAMABAD: Pakistani officials told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday that 64 percent of the beneficiaries of the government’s Rs38 billion [$136 million] Ramadan cash relief package have received payments so far, Sharif’s office said. 

The Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2026, launched on Feb. 14, provides Rs13,000 ($47) each to eligible households through bank accounts and regulated mobile wallets, replacing the earlier utility-store subsidy model with a digital transfer system overseen by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The latest directive comes as Ramadan spending accelerates, with food purchases typically rising during the holy month, prompting the government to ensure payments reach families before household expenses increase further.

Sharif chaired a meeting to review the progress of the Ramadan Relief Package in Islamabad, the PMO said. 

“It was informed that by the 8th of Ramadan, 64 percent of beneficiaries had received their payments,” the PMO said.

“The verification and validation process for the remaining beneficiaries is continuing at a fast pace.”

Officials briefed the prime minister that this year, 12 banks and fintech companies are partnering with the government to distribute the funds.

“So far, beneficiaries have conducted 1.1 million digital transactions under the Ramadan package,” the PMO said, adding that 1.227 million automated calls have been made by the government to raise awareness among beneficiaries. 

Sharif’s office said the package is being distributed to beneficiaries across the country, including the northern Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir territories.

The digital transfer model for disbursement aims to move toward a targeted subsidy regime aligned with broader efforts to expand financial inclusion and reduce cash-based leakages.