Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the federal government had established a transparent system to provide subsidized essential food items to the underprivileged during Ramazan, replacing a decades-old corrupt system of financial irregularities and mismanagement in utility stores.
He directed all relevant institutions to develop an even more effective and beneficial relief package for the upcoming holy month.
The prime minister was chairing a review meeting on the proposed Ramazan package and third-party validation of last year’s package.
The prime minister said directing that subsidy amounts for the Ramazan package for the deserving people should be distributed exclusively through digital wallets so that their dignity and respect was not compromised.
He said that providing subsidy amounts to the public through digital wallets will also prove to be a milestone in achieving a cashless economy. “The inclusion of the State Bank of Pakistan in the distribution of the Ramazan package will promote a cashless economy.”
He stressed all relevant ministries and institutions to ensure maximizing the scope and inclusion of the underprivileged in receiving subsidies.
He also directed to present a comprehensive strategy and recommendations containing practical measures for a better and more effective disbursement than last year in the Ramazan package as soon as possible.
“A digital dashboard and a structured monitoring system should also be established for effective oversight.”
During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that in the third-party validation of last year’s Ramazan package, a world renowned and reputable audit firm declared the government package effective and transparent.
Furthermore, a Social Protection Wallet system is being implemented under the Benazir Income Support Programme, under which free SIMs are being distributed to eligible individuals, and from March 2026, all subsidy amounts will be distributed digitally through these SIMs.
It was further told in the meeting that the third-party validation of the Ramazan package did not identify any financial corruption or serious administrative mismanagement.
Separately, Sharif on Friday gave an in-principle approval to the national policy framework to reform the gemstones sector, align it with international standards, and provide a conducive environment for foreign investment.
The prime minister, chairing a high-level meeting here on the country’s gemstone reserves, sectoral reforms, export enhancement, and implementation of modern technology, directed strict adherence to the timeline for actions outlined in the policy framework this year.
The prime minister also instructed immediate measures to establish international-standard laboratories and certification systems.
Shehbaz directed the establishment of two model Centers of Excellence for gemstones in the country this year and engaging the internationally acclaimed experts to resolve obstacles in policy implementation.
He said that the country’s gemstone exports were negligible comparing immense reserves, and called for encouraging private companies, especially young entrepreneurs, to invest in the sector.
Highlighting the globally-famed quality of Pakistan’s precious stones, he said that curbing smuggling and promoting legal exports would bring in billions of dollars in foreign exchange.
The prime minister also instructed the finance ministry to immediately release available funds to uplift the sector.
The participants of the meeting were briefed on Pakistan’s gemstone potential, regional comparisons, required measures for export growth, and the National Policy Framework’s structure, objectives, and implementation timelines.
It was told that Pakistan’s gemstone reserves valued at around $450 billion while annual exports stood merely at $5.8 million. Over 5,000 companies are processing more than 30 types of precious stones in the country. Leading reserves include emerald, peridot, ruby, topaz, and aquamarine.