ISLAMABAD – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday launched a special Ramadan package worth 20 billion rupees (about 71.5 million U.S. dollars) to support underprivileged families ahead of the holy month of Ramadan set to commence on Sunday.
Addressing the launching ceremony, the prime minister said that a total of 4 million deserving families comprising about 20 million people would get relief from this package, which would be distributed in the first 10 days of Ramadan.
He said that a foolproof mechanism would ensure swift transfer of the amount to 4 million deserving families all over the country, adding that a total of 600 stalls are also being set up across the country to provide sugar at a subsidized rate.
Noting that the inflation has significantly been reduced during this year’s Ramadan as compared to the previous year, Sharif said that besides reduction in the prices of commodities, the Pakistani government has increased the relief amount for poor families during the holy month.
The premier also expressed gratitude to foreign partners for their partnership and support in the noble cause and appreciated their commitment and valuable contributions.
XINHUA
