Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that the government will introduce the Ramadan Relief Package this year without involving the Utility Stores, aiming to prevent corruption and ensure the distribution of high-quality goods.
“With the Holy Ramadan approaching, I have directed the Ministry of National Food Security to prepare the Ramadan package without the Utility Stores. I had made this request months ago, as this cannot continue with the Utility Stores,” the Prime Minister said during a federal cabinet meeting.
Last month, the government formed a seven-member cabinet committee to oversee the nationwide closure of USC operations. The committee was also tasked with developing a strategy to distribute the Ramadan package in collaboration with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz highlighted the numerous complaints received last year regarding the implementation of the Ramadan Package through the USC.
Referring to the ongoing polio vaccination campaign, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the sacrifice of Abdul Khaliq, a policeman who was killed in Jamrud while securing a polio team.
He paid tribute to Khaliq’s sacrifice and praised the efforts of PM’s Health Coordinator Dr. Mukhtar, Polio Coordinator Dr. Ayesha Farooq, the health secretary, and vaccinators for their relentless work toward eradicating polio in the country.
Sharing details of his recent visit to Quetta, the Prime Minister mentioned his visit to a hospital where he met security personnel injured during an anti-terror operation in Kalat, which resulted in 18 security officers martyred and 23 terrorists killed. He noted the high morale of the injured, who were ready to continue sacrificing for the country’s safety.
He also remarked that these soldiers—whether from the army, police, FC, or Rangers—were paying the price for the shortsighted policies of a previous government that had released thousands of terrorists.
On economic matters, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the reduction of monthly inflation to a nine-year low of 2.4%, down from 28.73%. He congratulated the nation, cabinet members, especially the finance minister, and teams like FBR for their efforts in achieving this milestone.
“We are now fully focused on driving economic growth. This is our primary challenge, and we are determined to achieve it, just as we have met other targets,” he affirmed.
He also informed the cabinet about a recent visit from a Saudi delegation, where an agreement was signed under which Saudi Arabia would provide $1.2 billion worth of oil annually on deferred payments. Additionally, the Saudi Development Fund will fund a $40 million water supply project in Mansehra.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the entire nation will observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on Wednesday to show support for the Kashmiri people.
Finally, he commended the approval of an agricultural income tax by all four provinces, fulfilling an IMF condition, and thanked the relevant political leaders for their backing.
