From daily wage earners to retired Govt employees, KP people term PM Ramazan Package as great blessing
PESHAWAR, (APP): As the holy month of Ramazan approaches, a wave of relief and gratitude is being felt across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the announcement of a Rs38 billion Ramazan Relief Package by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif few days ago, winning hearts of millions.
The package, aimed at supporting 12.1 million deserving families across Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, promises direct financial assistance of Rs13,000 per family through digital wallets and bank transfers– a move many here say restores dignity while easing financial stress during the upcoming sacred month.
In the bustling streets of Qisa Khwani in Peshawar, 83-year-old retired government employee Misal Khan described the initiative as “a great gift for the common man during Ramazan.”
“With inflation rising and prices of essential commodities especially vegitable, flour and fruits going up, this relief package will help families manage Sehri and Iftar expenses,” he said.
“The Prime Minister has won hearts and minds by ensuring the support reaches poor people without discrimination.”
Like many pensioners and Govt employees besides NGOs living on fixed incomes, Misal Khan said even small price hikes in flour, sugar, and cooking oil strain monthly budgets in KP. “This much needed assistance comes at the right time for people of Khyber,” he added.
For Riazul Haq, a former primary school teacher, the most reassuring aspect of the package is its transparent distribution mechanism.
“The Rs13,000 will be transferred through digital wallets or bank accounts. This protects the dignity of millions of poor people and saves them from standing in long queues during cold weather,” he said.
In previous years, Ramazan relief efforts were often marred by overcrowded utility stores and complaints about substandard food items. Many beneficiaries recalled waiting for hours under the sun — an experience Riazul Haq calls “painful and undignified.”
This year’s digital-first approach, he believes, marks a significant shift toward accountability and efficiency.
Daily wage labourer Irshad Khan said the package will help him provide better meals for his children during Ramazan.
“Work is uncertain. Some days I earn, some days I don’t,” he shared. “Knowing that Rs13,000 will come directly into my account gives me peace of mind.”
Farmer Fazal-e-Rabi from Nowshera district echoed similar sentiments and lauded Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Rising input costs and fluctuating crop prices have squeezed farming households in KP where district administration failed to control the soaring prices of daily commodities ahead of Ramazan.
“This support will help us manage household expenses while we prepare for the wheat crop season,” he said.
Economist Muhammad Naeem termed the initiative one of the largest federal relief efforts in recent years, noting that Rs10 billion of the total package has been reserved for families already registered under the government’s Kafalat programme.
For Fizilat Bibi, a widow raising four children, Ramazan often brings mixed emotions spiritual joy paired with financial anxiety.
“During Ramazan, children expect special meals. I always worry about how to manage,” she said softly. “This help under PM package means I won’t have to borrow money this time.”
Her words reflect the quiet struggles of thousands of households across the province where poor families trying to balance needs, tradition, and rising living costs.
Officials said the new payment system replaces previous distribution methods that were criticized for inefficiency and lack of transparency.
“We ended the old practice of long queues and compromised dignity,” a Shahibzada Hamza Khan, PMLN Nowshera President remarked. “A major commitment was made last year to transfer cash through a digital system. It is a new initiative aimed at ending corruption and ensuring support reaches the deserving directly.”
As Ramazan draws near, markets in KP are slowly lighting up, homes are being cleaned in preparation, and prayers for blessings fill the air.
For millions, this year the spiritual warmth of the holy month comes with an added reassurance a financial support that many here believe will make a meaningful difference.
