The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Federal Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister’s Ramazan Relief Package, directing the immediate release of Rs19 billion to ensure timely payments to eligible families.

Under the package, Rs13,000 will be transferred directly to each deserving household through bank accounts or digital wallets.

The ECC meeting was chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb via video link.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection presented a summary seeking approval of Rs25 billion for the Ramazan Relief Package.

Officials from the Finance Division informed the committee that Rs19 billion has already been allocated for the Ramazan package in the current fiscal year’s budget.

The ECC approved the immediate release of this amount so that payments to beneficiaries can begin without delay. The remaining funds will be released later as per requirement and depending on financial capacity and available fiscal space.

Direct cash transfers to eligible families

According to the Ministry of Finance, cash financial assistance will be provided to eligible families during Ramazan. Each deserving family will receive Rs13,000, which will be transferred directly through banks and digital channels to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The ECC directed that payments to eligible families should start immediately.

Operational expenses, financial oversight

The committee also approved in principle the release of Rs1 billion for operational expenses related to the relief package.

The Finance Division was instructed to provide complete details of expenditure to ensure that spending is in accordance with actual needs and relevant rules.

It was further decided that any unused amount from the allocated funds would be returned.

The ECC also decided that if more funds are required for the Ramazan Relief Package, additional allocations will be considered based on prevailing circumstances and financial capacity.

The decision aims to provide timely financial support to low-income families during Ramazan while maintaining fiscal discipline.