KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a “historic” Ramadan package with a subsidy of Rs7.5 billion ($26.8 million) to lower the prices of essential items for the poor, a statement from his office said.
Pakistan’s national and provincial administrations typically announce Ramadan packages ahead of the Muslim fasting month to provide relief to the public. These packages mostly reduce the prices of essential food items such as flour, sugar, lentils, milk and dates through utility stores and other outlets to ease the burden of increased food consumption during Ramadan.
They also include special Ramadan bazaars to help low- and middle-income families access other necessities.
“During the holy month of Ramadan, over 30,96,00,000 families will be provided food items at cheap prices,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
It added that a subsidy of Rs77 per kg is being provided on a 20kg bag of flour while a subsidy of Rs70 per kg on ghee.
“The Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package is being distributed to deserving families through 4,775 utility stores across the country,” the PMO said.
The PMO said food items are being provided at subsidized rates from today, Thursday, and that the practice would continue till the last day of this year’s Ramadan.
Separately, Pakistan’s southern Sindh province also announced a Ramadan package worth Rs22.5 billion ($80.7 million) to support about 60 percent of its population, particularly those who earn a minimum wage of about Rs35,000 ($126) per month.
According to an official statement, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced the package that will include Rs5,000 cash grant to financially vulnerable families through banking system. Shah also directed all divisional commissioners to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers since such activities lead to price hikes in the holy month.
“Murad Ali Shah instructed the chief secretary [of the province] to determine the number of eligible families to ensure that no one is left behind,” the statement added. “He also directed him to talk to the banks to distribute the allocated Rs 22.5 billion.”
Shah was informed that there were 4.5 million deserving families in Sindh who were earning between Rs32,000 to Rs35,000 per month or less. These families constitute 60 percent of the provincial population and will benefit from the package.
“You have to maintain not only the price of the commodities and edibles but ensure a balance between demand and supply so that prices remain under control,” the chief minister instructed the authorities in Sindh.
He also instructed the Karachi Electric, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company ensure continuous power supply during the pre-dawn and sunset meals in Ramadan.
Shah regretted that food prices were slashed during the holy month everywhere in the world, but they were deliberately increased in Pakistan.
“Everyone must understand the importance of the holy month of Ramadan and the plight of the poor people,” he said.
The chief minister told the administration he would personally pay surprise visits to check the prices of food item along with their availability and quality in the market.
“I’ll not tolerate any negligence,” he warned.