PM Directs Ramazan Aid to Be Distributed Through Digital Wallets

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced an important change in the way financial assistance under the Ramazan Package will be distributed. According to official statements, the government has decided that Ramazan aid will be given only through digital wallets instead of cash or utility store subsidies. This step aims to protect the dignity and self-respect of beneficiaries, reduce corruption, and support Pakistan’s move towards a cashless economy. From March 2026, eligible families under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will receive assistance through free SIM cards and digital wallets, ensuring transparent and direct payments.

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Quick Information Table for PM Directs Ramazan Aid to Be Distributed Through Digital Wallets

Feature	Details
Program Name	Ramazan Aid Digital Wallet System
Start Date	March 2026
End Date	During Ramazan (annual programme)
Assistance Amount	As announced by government (varies by household)
Target Beneficiaries	Low & lower-middle income families
Distribution Method	Digital Wallet via Free SIM
Application Mode	Automatic (BISP-verified households)
Managing Authorities	BISP, State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA

What Is the Digital Ramazan Aid System?

The Digital Ramazan Aid System is a new government initiative under which financial help for Ramazan will be sent directly to beneficiaries through mobile-based digital wallets. The Prime Minister has clearly stated that this system will replace older methods like Utility Stores, which faced complaints of mismanagement, delays, and unfair distribution.

Under this new system, eligible households will receive funds directly on their registered mobile numbers, allowing them to purchase essential items with freedom and ease.

Role of BISP and Free SIM Cards

The Prime Minister announced that a Social Protection Wallet is being introduced under BISP. As part of this system:

Eligible beneficiaries will receive free SIM cards
These SIMs will be linked to their CNIC
Financial assistance will be transferred directly to the digital wallet
No middlemen or agents will be involved

From March 2026 onward, all Ramazan assistance under this programme will be distributed digitally through these SIMs.

Why the Utility Stores Model Was Ended

Earlier, the government provided subsidised food items through Utility Stores, but the Prime Minister highlighted serious issues:

Mismanagement and corruption
Limited access in many areas
Deserving families left out
Poor monitoring system

Due to these problems, the government decided to shift towards direct financial assistance, allowing families to choose what they need most during Ramazan.

Government’s Vision for a Cashless Economy

The PM Directs Ramazan Aid to Be Distributed Through Digital Wallets emphasized that digital payments will:

Promote transparency
Reduce misuse of funds
Improve record-keeping
Encourage financial inclusion

The State Bank of Pakistan is fully involved to ensure secure and smooth digital transactions. This initiative is also aligned with Pakistan’s long-term goal of building a modern, cashless economy.

Monitoring, Transparency, and Digital Dashboard

To ensure fairness, the Prime Minister directed authorities to:

Create a digital dashboard
Monitor real-time distribution
Ensure maximum inclusion of eligible households
Prevent duplication and fraud

Institutions like NADRA, PTA, and relevant ministries will support data verification and implementation.

Who Will Benefit from This Program?

This Ramazan aid system mainly targets:

BISP-registered families
Low-income households
Lower-middle-income groups
Widows, elderly, and vulnerable citizens

There is no separate application process. If a household is already verified under BISP, they will be included automatically.

Key Officials Involved

The review meeting was attended by:

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar
Poverty Alleviation Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah
National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja
Chairmen of NADRA and PTA

This shows strong coordination at the highest level.

Conclusion

The decision to distribute Ramazan aid through digital wallets marks a major step toward transparency, dignity, and financial inclusion in Pakistan. By introducing free SIMs under BISP and shifting to digital payments from March 2026, the government aims to ensure that every deserving family receives help without hassle or humiliation. This initiative not only improves social protection but also strengthens Pakistan’s journey towards a cashless and accountable economy.